Asda has revealed plans to open 300 convenience stores across the UK as it accelerates the rollout of its new Asda Express concept.
After the supermarket giant opened its second Asda Express convenience store this week, the chain confirmed that it plans to open 300 more by the end of 2026, reports The Manc.
Asda says it is looking to bring the Express concept to customers in convenient neighbourhood and residential settings.
This expansion will create a whopping 10,000 new jobs, all while “bringing Asda value and products” to even more customers and local communities throughout the UK.
It is particularly targeting those areas where there isn’t an Asda store nearby.
Set to stock around 3,000 products, Asda Express stores are designed to cater for a broad range of customer needs, including ‘top up’ shops for essential items, grabbing a spot of lunch on the go, or buying the fresh ingredients to cook dinner from scratch.
Image: Asda
Not only that, but customers can also enjoy a range of hot and cold ‘food for now’ options from Asda and partner brands like Leon, plus ‘food for later’ choices such as ready meals, pizzas, stir frys, and a selection of £10 meal deals for two people.
Asda’s ‘to you’ parcel collection and return services will also be available, as will a rapid delivery service through Uber Eats in some stores.
“A key part of our growth strategy is to provide customers with more opportunities to shop at Asda closer to where they live or work,” explained Mohsin Issa, co-owner of Asda.
“With more than three quarters of the UK population visiting a convenience store in the last 12 months, the potential for growth in this market is significant, and our ambition is to become the convenience destination of choice by providing shoppers great value and a comprehensive and convenient range of products and services under one roof.”
The target of 300 Asda Express stores by the end of 2026 does not include the convenience stores that Asda is acquiring from the Co-op.
Aldi is giving Leedsshoppers the chance to take part in a real-life supermarket sweep for charity.
Building on the success of Aldi Scotland’s long-running initiative – which has raised more than £60,000 for charity over the past decade – Aldi is bringing its successful ‘Supermarket Sweep’ fundraiser to England and Wales for the first time, and shoppers from across Leeds and West Yorkshire will have the chance to take part for a brilliant cause.
10 winners will be selected to take part in the challenge at their local Aldi store, racing against the clock to fill their trolley with Aldi products in just five minutes.
Once the dash is complete, Aldi will donate the full value of each winning trolley to Teenage Cancer Trust, helping to support young people with cancer across the UK.
Unfamiliar with Supermarket Sweep the TV show? This is how it works.
Images: Aldi
The game consists of three teams of two, each with a clock that starts with 60 seconds on it. The teams then attempt to add as much time as possible to their clock by answering questions and riddles posed by the host. The time they accumulate determines how long they have in the ‘Big Sweep’ round to run around a studio mock-up of a supermarket, collecting shopping items.
The team with the shopping trolley filled with items of the most value wins the chance to enter the final ‘Super Sweep’ prize round.
Speaking as entries to the unique competition open this week, Julie Ashfield, who is the Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “Our customers are always incredibly supportive of the causes we champion, and we’re pleased to be bringing this much-loved fundraising initiative to England and Wales for the first time.
“We can’t wait to give shoppers the opportunity to put their trolley-dashing skills to the test, while helping to raise vital funds for Teenage Cancer Trust. Every pound raised will help the charity continue providing specialist care and support to young people with cancer when they need it most.”
The competition is now open, with entries closing at 23:59 on Tuesday 4 August.
To enter, you’ll simply need to email aldisupermarketsweep@aldi.co.uk with your details for the chance to win, and you can find all the terms and conditions here.
A new Korean beauty and skincare store is opening in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
If your skincare routine has been needing an upgrade, there's some good news heading to Trinity Leeds.
Trinity Leeds gearing up to welcome moida, a brand-new beauty retailer specialising in authentic Korean skincare, bringing some of the world's most sought-after K-beauty products to Leeds.
Named after the Korean word meaning 'to gather' or 'come together', moida is all about making Korean skincare easy to discover and accessible for everyone.
Inside the new store that will take over the old Claire's accessories site, shoppers can expect an extensive range of handpicked products from some of the biggest names in K-beauty, including Beauty of Joseon, Dr. Althea, TIRTIR, Medicube, Biodance, and more cult-favourite brands.
The collection has been curated by a team of Korean beauty experts with close links to Korea, meaning customers can expect everything from viral TikTok sensations to exclusive products that are often difficult to get hold of elsewhere in the UK.
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: "With Korean skincare still increasing in popularity, moida brings an exciting new concept to the centre. Offering guests viral products alongside everyday essentials, plus the chance to browse new brands in-store will be a fantastic experience.
"We know moida is going to be a brilliant addition for both existing fans of K-beauty and those keen to discover it for the first time."
It's the latest announcement following the recent launches of Lane7, Footasylum, LEGO, Jerk Junction, The Fragrance Shop and schuh at Trinity Leeds.
Opening this summer, we'll keep you updated when we know more about moida's opening.
The Hoot -
7th December 2022 
