Asda's new Hale Barns store has officially opened today.
The 11,000 sq ft store, one of the largest that Asda has opened in recent years, is on the Hale Road site formerly occupied by Booths until it announced its departure from the village in April.
Asda spent a seven-figure sum to acquire the lease from Booths and then fit out the store, with all 65 jobs transferring between retailers under a TUPE process.
The new store stocks over 8,000 branded and own-label goods, while fresh bread and pastries will be baked daily in the brand-new store bakery.
The store will also be the first Asda store to offer an ‘Extra Special’ deli counter, offering a selection of cheese and meats from Asda’s premium range.
Other food to-go counters will offer world foods such as Panku Sushi and the popular Asda Pizza Counter will allow customers to create their own pizza.
Its newly refurbished café will offer seasonal propositions such as Asda’s Kids Eat for £1 deal.
The store will also help out local causes through the Asda Foundation, and ahead of the opening the Asda Foundation has already awarded a grant of £785 to Altrincham and Hale FC.
Asda said that the 65 former Booths employees who transferred to Asda have seen their hourly pay jump from £11.50 to £12.04.
Feroz Patel, Asda’s, VP Retail Central, said: “The opening of our Hale Barns store is another example of our ongoing investment to bring Asda's great quality products and uncompromising value to more communities in the UK.
“Customers shopping at Hale Barns can expect to find wide range of products and high-quality services, including a refurbished café and a premium deli counter offering some of our highest quality products. We look forward to joining the local community and supporting it through our community initiatives for many years to come.”
Opening times for the store will be from 7am – 10pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 4pm each Sunday.
