Asda to create 7,500 jobs
SUPERMARKET chain Asda is to create 7,500 jobs in 2011 as it opens new stores, expands home shopping and converts Netto stores.
The retail giant, which has its headquarters in Leeds, has also made 3,000 new jobs available in its existing operations.
Asda’s announcement comes as parent company, US retailer Walmart, prepares to release its third quarter earnings figures later today.
Chief executive Andy Clarke said: “I’m proud to say next year we will once again create thousands of new jobs at every level of our growing business.
“Through a combination of opening new stores, extending existing ones, converting Netto stores, and continuing to expand our grocery home shopping service we will create 7,500 new roles throughout the country. We also currently have nearly 3,000 vacancies on our jobs website.”
Asda bought the UK stores of Danish discount retailer Netto earlier this year in a deal worth around £778m as it looks to move into the smaller format sector already occupied by Tesco and Sainsbury’s with their Metro and Local offerings respectively.
The Netto acquisition is set to add around 1m sq ft and create a division of around 170 stores. The conversion programme, which will start in the first quarter of next year, is expected to be completed by this time next year.
The chain also expects to add 16 in-store pharmacies to its existing network of 205 in 2011.
