LEEDS, U.K. — Wal-Mart's Asda chain here is planning to expand its fledgling smaller-format supermarket format in the U.K. to 100 locations by 2013, the company told analysts and investors at a meeting Thursday.
The stores will help the chain, based here, "reach customers who find it difficult getting to one of our larger stores," said Andy Bond, Asda's president and chief executive officer, who earlier this week announced his plans to leave those positions and become executive chairman.
“Our small stores are proving popular with customers, as they can complete a full weekly shop, while still taking advantage of our market-leading low prices.”
Asda also plans to ramp up its nonfood growth, with the goal of being the No. 1 nonfoods retailer in the U.K., and generate more global synergies in consumables procurement. It currently operates 374 locations, including 24 Asda Living stores — a number that it plans to expand to 150 locations.
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