A major supermarket chain is preparing to shake up its UK retail scene with the launch of its very first Express store. This move kicks off an ambitious nationwide expansion, with plans to open as many as 20 additional locations by year’s end. Retail giant Asda has unveiled its latest Express store in Castleford, West Yorkshire. Asda claims that the new Express format aims to deliver its signature low prices and well-known brand deals to areas where the supermarket has previously had limited reach. Asda first entered the convenience store sector in 2022, and expansion has accelerated rapidly since then. The chain aims to operate around 500 Express stores by year’s end, with further openings planned for 2026. In comparison, Tesco has approximately 2,000 Express stores, while Sainsbury’s has around 850 of them.
Located on the former site of a pub on Holywell Lane, the store has been fully redeveloped into a modern, compact supermarket offering over 3,000 products. The store is also packed with features including a Costa Coffee machine, an ATM, and an Amazon collection point. Shoppers can even have their groceries delivered through Uber Eats, Just Eat, or Deliveroo. Shoppers can now pick up everything from ready meals and snacks to fresh fruit and drinks, making it easy to get all their essentials in a single visit. It’s open every day from 6am to 11pm.
Every store will also be equipped with electronic shelf-edge labels – essentially digital price tags – intended to simplify tasks for staff and ensure prices are clearly visible for customers. New locations will pop up in busy city centres, transport hubs and residential areas.
Joseph Sutton, Asda’s Vice President for Express, Foodservice and Fuel, said: “We’re delighted to have opened the doors today in Castleford, marking the start of our Express store rollout as we bring Asda’s unbeatable value to new communities across the UK.”
He added: “From top-up essentials to convenient food-on-the-go options, we’re excited to welcome new customers and offer outstanding value.”
This follows Asda’s recent announcement of price cuts on nearly 1,000 everyday items. The discounts, available both in-store and online, cover essentials like pasta, cooking sauces, tea, and coffee.
In addition, starting in October, Asda will implement a major aisle redesign across 186 stores, following similar moves by three other leading supermarket chains.
