ASDA to open 12 UK stores, creating up to 2,500 jobs

ASDA is to open 12 stores and create up to 2,500 new jobs in the UK this year, the supermarket giant has revealed.

The retailer said it was investing £700 million in its outlets and online operations, as it also announced a 4.5 per cent increase in total sales in 2012.

Despite the new store openings, Asda said it was shifting its focus away from its “bricks and mortar” stores towards “multi-channel” sales including click-and-collect services.

The investment figure given yesterday was higher than the £500m announced last year.