UK supermarket chain Asda has launched a wholesale supply arrangement for independent convenience retailers. <\/p>\n
Called Asda Convenience, the pilot involves three stores in Glasgow and is being delivered with independent retail operator One-O-One. <\/p>\n
Asda has committed \u00a31m ($1.35m) to the project. <\/p>\n
One-o-One group retail director Paul Stirling said: “Combining that local knowledge with Asda’s exceptional value, market-leading own-brand range and strong customer proposition creates a compelling convenience offer that gives shoppers greater choice than ever before.” <\/p>\n
Each store will stock around 3,500 product lines, including Asda own-brand products as well as fresh and chilled food and food-to-go ranges, with all items sold at Asda’s usual value pricing. <\/p>\n
Asda Convenience is separate from Asda Express, the retailer’s existing convenience business, which it owns and operates directly. <\/p>\n
The group said that the Glasgow trial is designed to test and refine the wholesale model before Asda decides whether to expand it more widely across the UK. <\/p>\n
Asda Express Fuel and Wholesale director Joseph Sutton added: “By partnering with experienced independent retailers, we can combine our product range, pricing and supply chain strengths with their local expertise to create a truly compelling offer. <\/p>\n
“This is just the beginning, and we see a real opportunity to scale this approach while building a broader wholesale business.” <\/p>\n
The arrangement follows other recent developments at Asda. <\/p>\n
In June, the retailer signed a partnership<\/a> with Amazon Ads to expand its retail media business and offer brands additional advertising options through its digital platforms. <\/p>\n As part of that deal, Asda will introduce Amazon Retail Ad Service across its online operations, with the rollout set to begin in phases from the final quarter of this year. <\/p>\n