UK Prime Minister David Cameron has said that he is 'delighted' with Asda's plans to create 12,000 new jobs over the next five years.
Cameron said that the move would "give people financial security for the future".
"I am delighted that Asda is continuing to invest heavily in the UK, creating another 12,000 jobs…," said Cameron.
The expansion announcement was made by Doug McMillon, Walmart's president and CEO, during a meeting with Cameron at Asda's Clapham Junction store in south London.
McMillon said that the expansion was in response to “a seismic shift in the structure of the retail market – not just in the UK but right across the world”.
“Asda recognised the change in its market and took early action to develop and implement a strategy that will see it grow – creating more new jobs and bringing real value to more customers in the UK,” Mr McMillon said.
"We know that the UK is a great place to do business and, since Walmart acquired Asda 15 years ago, we have been able to invest £8 billion in the UK economy – creating over 100,000 jobs, opening 342 new Asda stores and bringing lower prices to millions of customers," he added.
Asda is looking to open 40 superstores, 100 supermarkets, 150 petrol stations and 1,000 click-and-collect points. Two-thirds will be in the southeast, London, Cornwall and Devon, a company spokesperson said.
© 2014 - European Supermarket Magazine by Enda Dowling
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