Asda confirms plans to bring its new convenience store format to Manchester

Supermarket chain Asda is extending its convenience store format to Manchester.

The Leeds-based retail giant will open an Asda Express store at Circle Square in the coming months.

Launched for the first time in late 2022, Asda Express is the retailer’s first convenience proposition.

The store will offer a host of products and services to suit a range of shopping missions, from students grabbing a quick lunch to commuters picking up fresh ingredients on their way home.

Work will now commence on the new retail space after Asda signed a 15-year lease with Vita Group for its 5,943 sq ft unit on Oxford Road.

James Laws, senior director of wholesale and convenience at Asda, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be bringing our Asda Express format to Manchester in the coming months.

“As part of our expansion into the convenience space, we’re really going after city centre locations as we currently under-index in these areas.”

He added: “Circle Square is a fantastic example of a city centre location that will support our growth ambitions – it is a bustling neighbourhood, and we look forward to becoming part of the community.”

There are currently three Asda Express stores across the UK and the roll-out of this format is part of the chain’s long-term strategy to become the UKs second largest supermarket by establishing a presence in the fast growing convenience sector.

Asda Express joins a number of new signings at Circle Square including Mr Su’s, HIT and Monkey Trio. Circle Square is a joint venture between Vita Group and Bruntwood SciTech that has seen the area transformed into a thriving mixed-use community.

Max Bielby, chief operating officer at Vita Group, said: “Asda Express is an exciting proposition which will, without doubt, benefit the growing community of people living, working and visiting Circle Square.”

Acting agent for Vita Group’s retail and leisure offering is Lyons Thompson Letts Property Consultants.