First Asda Express in Manchester to open at Circle Square - what convenience store will offer

A new Asda Express store is opening in Manchester city centre, becoming one of only a handful in the country so far.

The new convenience store is set to move into one of the newest neighbourhoods in Manchester, Circle Square, located off Oxford Road. Several shops, cafes and restaurants have moved into the area over the last couple of years, including most recently Mr Su’s, HIT and Monkey Trio.

The store will offer a range of products, including an extensive food-to-go range, catering for students and other commuters passing through this busy area of the city centre.

Circle Square, a joint venture between Bruntwood SciTech and Vita Group, which also own the Vita Living apartments and Vita Student accommodation. Asda Express has signed a 15-year lease with Vita Group for its 5,943 sqft unit at Circle Square.

Asda launched its Express stores in 2022 and there are currently three in the UK. The roll-out is part of the company’s bid to become the country’s second largest supermarket. It joins competitors Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrison, which already have convenience stores in the city centre.

An opening date for the store is yet to be announced.

What do the owners say?

James Laws, senior director of wholesale and convenience at Asda said: “We’re incredibly excited to be bringing our Asda Express format to Manchester in the coming months. As part of our expansion into the convenience space, we’re really going after city centre locations as we currently under-index in these areas.

Circle Square is a fantastic example of a city centre location that will support our growth ambitions – it is a bustling neighbourhood, and we look forward to becoming part of the community.”

Max Bielby, chief operating officer at Vita Group added: “We are delighted to sign this deal to bring one of the UK’s largest retailers to Circle Square. Asda Express is an exciting proposition which will without doubt benefit the growing community of people living, working and visiting Circle Square. We look forward to hearing more about their opening and the opportunities it will create for this exciting new community in the middle of Manchester.”