Asda is to create 2,500 jobs in 2013

Asda Investing in Online Trade

The UK’s second largest supermarket chain, Asda, is to generate 2,500 jobs in 2013 as it moves investment to its increasing multichannel business, with outlets supporting its smart phone and internet channels.

The company has said it will expend £700m on both existing and new stores as well as its supply chain, with its increasingly popular website also benefiting from the venture.

Asda has also confirmed a 4.5% rise in total sales to £22.8bn last year.

In the current challenging trading environment the company is focusing on customer needs through increasing investment in the infrastructure and technology to make shopping more convenient for both online and offline communities.

Asda has said earlier investment in its internet operations had reaped returns with exceptional growth and that this was the principal motive for its new focus. Asda has increased its home shopping capability with the opening of a third selection centre in Nottingham in April, creating over 600 new jobs.

As a component of its wider plans, the ‘Click and Collect’ business will shortly include same day delivery on grocery items.

The chain is planning to construct 10 further new stores, including several new smaller design supermarkets, a number of superstores and a new non-food outlet.