Asda has announced it will open 110 express stores in February as it looks to speed up growth in the convenience sector.

The supermarket will convert 109 stores acquired from the Co-op and EG Group and open an additional store. Asda said that this represents a record for store openings in a single month, taking the retailer closer to its goal of establishing 1,000 convenience stores in the UK.

The move forms part of Asda’s long-term strategy to become the UK’s second largest supermarket, a position currently held by Sainsbury’s, by moving into the fast-growing convenience market.

The new stores opening in February are located all over the UK, including the Isle of Skye, Plymouth and London. Many stores are opening in locations across southern England, an area where Asda said it has traditionally been underrepresented.

As part of its plans to convert all 470 convenience sites acquired from the Co-op and EG Group, in January Asda opened 21 Asda Express stores, while in December 81 stores were opened.

As of the end of January, Asda has converted 259 stores and opened an additional eight.

“Asda’s significant investment in building a nationwide chain of convenience stores is a key component of our long-term strategy to become the number two player in UK grocery,” said Andy Perry, Asda’s vice president of convenience. “February is a transformational month for programme with a record number of store openings and conversion of all former Co-op sites to Asda Express sites.

“The teams have worked at pace to reach this point and we look forward to bringing Asda’s quality and low prices to many more communities across the UK.”

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