Asda has launched a new wholesale convenience model, with initial rollouts covering three stores in Glasgow.

The company has invested £1 million in the launch of Asda Convenience, which will initially be trialled with Scottish independent operator One-O-One.

The three stores will operate under the new Asda Convenience fascia and stock around 3,500 products, including Asda own-label lines, fresh and chilled groceries and food-to-go.

Asda said the trial would allow it to refine the model before considering a wider UK roll-out.

The format is separate from the retailer’s wholly owned Asda Express estate and has been developed specifically for wholesale partnerships with independent retailers.

Asda Express, fuel and wholesale director Joseph Sutton said: “Launching Asda Convenience is an important step in extending our reach and making Asda’s great value accessible to more customers in the way they want to shop today.

“By partnering with experienced independent retailers, we can combine our product range, pricing and supply chain strengths with their local expertise.”

Sutton added that the retailer saw an opportunity to scale the format while building a broader wholesale business.

One-O-One operates convenience stores across Scotland’s Central Belt and will become Asda’s first retail partner for the new proposition.

One-O-One group retail director Paul Stirling said: “We’re incredibly proud to be the chosen convenience retail partner to launch the new Asda Convenience format.

“Combining that local knowledge with Asda’s value, own-brand range and customer proposition creates a compelling convenience offer.”

Asda said it planned to use the first three openings to assess the model, with ambitions to expand quickly if the trial proved successful.

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