Asco, a new independent supermarket group has opened its first store in Warrington on the site of a former Woolworths’ store.
Asco said the 11,000 sq ft supermarket in Sankey Street, which has recruited 65 staff, would be complemented by a further 11 stores in the north west by next summer and claimed the network would number 30 within three years, creating up to 3,000 jobs.
Asco has taken on the strapline, “The Real Alternative”, and plans to offer value for money and to build relationships with local suppliers.
Managing director Dave Laney said: “We plan to offer customers an alternative when shopping for their daily essentials which will give them a refreshing and pleasant change.”
Supermarket giants Asda and Tesco have been two of the main beneficiaries of Woolworths’ demise, both are estimated to have scooped up more than £70m of the collapsed retailer’s sales.
