Asda is set to open up to 20 new convenience stores later this year, reported The Mirror.
One of these stores is set to open in Limehouse station in Commercial Road.
The new stores will be located in urban areas, residential locations, and transport hubs, such as Limehouse.
In early July, Asda confirmed that the superstore in Anchor Retail Park, Stepney Green would close due to an unaffordable increase in rent.
The current lease ends in September.
Limehouse station (Image: Google) Asda told this paper that around 50 employees will be impacted by this closure and “all possible avenues” to retain these colleagues within the business will be explored.
GMB regional officer Keith Dixon described this as “devastating news” for staff.
GMB Union’s website says it is the “only recognised union” in Asda superstores and warehouses.
The scheme for the new convenience stores comes after Asda bought 469 convenience stores and fuel sites from the Co-op and EG Group.
David Lepley, chief supply chain officer, told The Mirror: “We’re thrilled to kick off the next phase of our Express rollout and bring our heritage in delivering outstanding value to more locations across the UK.
“In just three years, we’ve grown from zero convenience stores to establishing a major presence in the channel, with almost 500 stores by the end of the year.
“This continued investment reflects the confidence we have in our convenience strategy and our focus on bringing Asda’s low prices to more local communities.”
Asda also recently announced plans to refurbish 180 of its in-store cafes as part of a £180million investment.
The upgrades will include digital ordering screens and table ordering service, which will be available alongside manned tills.
