AN ASDA convenience store will open in Basingstoke this week following the company's acquisition of Co-Op stores and petrol stations across the UK.

The Asda Express convenience store will open in Grove Road, near Viables, on Thursday, February 8, replacing the Co-Op, in a move by Asda to reach 1,000 stores in the UK.

According to a spokesperson for Asda, customers can expect to save an average of eight per cent on groceries in comparison to a shop at Co-Op.

Basingstoke Gazette:

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The company acquired 132 convenience stores with attached petrol stations from the Co-Op in August 2022 for £438m.

The supermarket previously converted 259 stores, with a further 110 Asda Express shops opening this month.

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.”