A SUPERMARKET chain is due to open two new convenience stores across St Helens as part of a major investment programme.

Asda is creating 110 Asda Express stores in February to accelerate its growth strategy in smaller stores.

Convenience stores

The supermarket says it will convert 109 former convenience stores acquired from the Co-op and EG Group to Asda Express this month  - plus with one additional opening - as part of a multi-million pound investment.

Stores in St Helens are due to open at fuel service stations at 102 St Helens Linkway on February 13 and Warrington Road, Rainhill on February 15.

In a statement, Asda said it continues to deliver on its programme to convert all 470 convenience sites acquired from the Co-op and EG Group to Asda Express before the end of March.

The supermarket had converted 259 sites by the end of January, in addition to the eight organic Asda Express sites already open.

'Significant investment'

Andy Perry, Asda’s vice president of convenience, said: “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.

"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.”

The Asda Express stores will stock up to 3,000 branded and own-label products to suit a range of customer needs including ‘top up’ shops for essential items such as milk and bread, grabbing lunch on the go or cooking dinner from scratch.