Supermarket chain Asda is planning to spend £600m this year on building new stores and improving existing ones.
The US-owned chain, part of the Walmart group, plans to open 17 new stores in 2015, including three supermarkets in London.
A further 62 stores will undergo a major remodel this year, “to reflect changing shopper habits”, and petrol stations will be built at 36 locations.
Asda president and CEO Andy Clarke said: “I'm pleased that we can announce our continued investment in the UK with £600m for new and improved stores in 2015. With such a powerful force like Walmart behind us that fully supports our strategy, we're in a unique position in a difficult market – a position of great strength."
