Tesco has unveiled ambitious plans to significantly expand its Express convenience store network across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with the supermarket giant confirming it will open seventy new locations by March of next year. This substantial expansion follows the successful opening of sixty Tesco Express stores throughout 2025, demonstrating the company's continued commitment to growing its physical retail presence.
Strategic Acquisition of Former Amazon Fresh Locations
In a particularly notable development, Tesco has acquired five former Amazon Fresh stores across London, which will all be converted into Tesco Express outlets before the summer season begins. These strategic locations include prominent sites on Kensington High Street, in Hounslow, Moorgate, Aldgate East, and Wembley. This move comes after Amazon announced last September that it was closing all nineteen of its remaining Amazon Fresh physical stores as part of a strategic shift back towards its core online operations.
Amazon had initially indicated plans to convert five of these locations into Whole Foods Market stores, but Tesco has now secured these prime retail spaces instead. This acquisition represents a significant strategic victory for Tesco in the competitive convenience retail sector, allowing the supermarket chain to establish a stronger foothold in key London locations.
Nationwide Expansion Across Multiple Regions
The expansion programme extends far beyond London, with new Tesco Express stores planned for communities across the United Kingdom. Confirmed locations include Bickington in Devon, Pontrhydyrun in Wales, Strabane in Northern Ireland, and Wallyford in Scotland. This nationwide approach reflects Tesco's strategy to serve diverse communities across all regions of the country.
Additionally, Tesco is planning to open two larger format stores in Scotland this year, specifically in Pitlochry and Heartlands. This follows the successful launch of two superstores at the end of last year in Ripon and Harrogate, North Yorkshire, indicating a balanced approach to both convenience and larger format retail expansion.
Responding to Changing Consumer Habits
Nick Johnson, Tesco's Group Property Director, commented on the expansion plans, stating: "As we grow our store network we're delighted to have the opportunity to serve even more people, in even more communities." This expansion comes at a time when the entire supermarket sector is witnessing a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with shoppers increasingly making fewer large weekly trips to big stores in favour of more frequent, smaller purchases from local convenience outlets.
The convenience store sector has become increasingly competitive as retailers respond to these changing shopping patterns. Tesco's expansion strategy positions the company to capitalise on this trend, building upon its existing network of just over two thousand Express stores already operating across the UK and Ireland. This substantial investment in physical retail infrastructure demonstrates Tesco's confidence in the continued importance of local, accessible shopping options for British consumers.
