Following the briefing on Asda’s 2009 full year results, chief executive Andy Bond has stated it’s time to open a new chapter and focus more on its smaller stores.
Bond said: “As part of our strategy to broaden and accelerate our business, you will see us making progress in a number of areas.
“Through a combination of new formats – both smaller supermarkets to meet the needs of local communities, and through Asda Living, we will broaden our business reaching more customers in markets that are currently under-served by Asda.
“Towards the end of last year, we created a separate division for 21 of our smaller stores all of which are under 25,000 sq ft.
“This is allowing us to focus much more clearly on the needs of shoppers in those locations, ensuring the range and offer is right.
“Last year we acquired three smaller, former Co-op stores which range from 10,000 sq ft to 17,000 sq ft. Despite being small Asda stores – customers tell us they are able to do a full weekly shop.
“I’m confident we have a model that we can now accelerate in this market.”
