Asda set to expand in UK creating 5,000 jobs

Monday, 23 January 2012 10:28

Asda has announced that it will create 5,000 UK jobs in 2012.

The supermarket owned by US firm Walmart plans to open up three new depots and 25 stores in a move that goes against the strategy announced by Tesco after its disappointing Christmas trading results when Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke said that the company will focus more on online sales for non-food items.

Asda has yet to report on how its Christmas trading went but today announced that it plans to increase its selling space by 600,000 square feet as part of a £500 million investment in the UK business.

Asda plan to replace an existing depot in Falkirk, build a new one in Rochdale and a further depot will be opened in South Elmsall in Yorkshire. Asda will also extend and refurbish 43 existing supermarkets as it attempts to usurp Tesco as the UK’s biggest supermarket.

The expansion plans are set to reduce the costs of the supermarket as it will lower distances travelled by delivery drivers by an estimated one million miles a year.

Asda took over Danish discount retailer Netto for £778 million last year and converted Netto’s UK stores to its own.

Compare gas and electricity – Save money on energy bills

Follow Myfinances.co.uk on Twitter: @news_myfinances

Sign up to the Myfinances.co.uk newsletter to receive the latest financial news direct to your inbox.

Comments Bubble Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus

Save money on your gas and electricity bills

Compare all energy prices with uSwitch and save up to £400.

Twitter: My Finances


Join the conversation at #news_myfinances


Newsletter sign up

Interests

In addition to the weekly newsletter, which areas of finance would you like to hear from us about:

Tick this box if you would like us to send you promotions from carefully selected third parties.

By signing-up you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy.

sign-up button

Get the latest information on: