Asda’s cash and carry operation to open

Offering ‘everyday essentials’ in bigger pack sizes, Asda breaks into cash and carry format

Asda’s much-hyped new cash and carry-style retail operation is due to open on 4 December.

The Deal Depot will target retailers and consumers and aims to be a Costco-style format, but without the membership fee.

The 20,000 sq ft depot in Patchway, Bristol, will stock fresh produce, chilled, bakery, frozen, ambient and beers, wines and spirits. It will have separate branding to Asda and operate with a separate entrance, tills and staff.

The model has “the opportunity to be rolled out further if the trial proves successful” according to a document from Asda, supplied “through the closest Asda depot”.

In response to the supermarket’s move, James Bielby, Chief Executive, FWD, said: “The wholesale market is constantly evolving with new entrants all the time. It’s a real vote of confidence in the vibrancy of the sector that the supermarkets are trying to break into it. As other supermarkets have found though, selling in wholesale quantities to both retailers and their customers is a complex business, and long-established wholesalers are well positioned to compete with anyone in an open market.”

Asda The Deal Depot wholesale