Asda, the Walmart-owned UK grocery retailer, has announced that it is to invest some £500m (€602m) this year in opening new stores and depots and developing its existing chain, creating up to 5,000 jobs in the process.
The supermarket group confirmed plans to open 25 new stores across the country and three depots by the end of 2012, as well as extending and refurbishing 43 of its existing stores.
The new outlets will add over 600,000ft2 of net selling space to the group's portfolio, through superstores, small format supermarkets and Asda Living.
Prime Minister David Cameron has welcomed the news, suggesting it will prove a 'real boost' for the UK economy and for people around the UK seeing jobs.
'I also welcome Asda’s commitment to not only create jobs but invest in their staff too; offering employees the chance to join an apprenticeship scheme to gain skills which will benefit them throughout their career,' he added.
Asda, which is part of the world’s biggest retailer Walmart, currently employs over 180,000 people in 528 stores and depots across the UK, and is the second largest supermarket in the UK.
'I am delighted to be able to start 2012 on such a positive note, doing what we do best – creating new jobs, working with new communities and bringing Asda’s low prices to families who need the value we can bring,' said Andy Clarke, president and CEO of Asda. 'I look forward to seeing these new stores and depots open for business and welcoming new colleagues and customers to our team.'
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