Britain’s largest supermarket chain has unveiled ambitious growth plans for its convenience store division, announcing the addition of 70 new Express outlets by March 2027.
The expansion builds on momentum from 60 store openings completed throughout 2025 and comes amid the growing trend of high street store closures from major retailers.
Among the new sites are five former Amazon Fresh locations across the capital, which Tesco has purchased following the US technology giant’s decision last September to shutter its entire UK Fresh store operation.
These London premises, situated in Kensington High Street, Hounslow, Moorgate, Aldgate East and Wembley, will be converted and trading under the Tesco Express banner ahead of the summer months.
Tesco is opening new Express stores
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Amazon announced in September that it would close all 19 remaining Fresh stores in Britain as the company refocused on its online operations, with plans to transform five locations into Whole Foods outlets.
Beyond the capital, Tesco’s expansion will reach communities across all four home nations, with new Express stores planned for Bickington in Devon, Pontrhydyrun in Wales, Strabane in Northern Ireland, and Wallyford in Scotland.
The retailer’s convenience store network already exceeds 2,000 Express outlets operating throughout the UK and Ireland.
Nick Johnson, Tesco’s group property director, said: “As we grow our store network we’re delighted to have the opportunity to serve even more people, in even more communities.”
Tesco Clubcard users can get the cheapest basket on the market thanks to the CLUBCARD SCHEME
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TESCOThe supermarket industry has been accelerating its investment in smaller format stores as consumer behaviour evolves, with shoppers increasingly favouring frequent visits to local outlets over larger weekly trips to superstores.
Tesco is also expanding its larger format presence, with two Scottish superstores planned for Pitlochry and Heartlands this year, following openings in Ripon and Harrogate late last year.
This convenience store push comes as Tesco enjoys its strongest market position in more than ten years, with recent financial results showing the retailer outperforming competitors on both value and volume measures.
Last month, Ken Murphy, Tesco’s chief executive, shared his optimism over the supermarket chain’s business trajectory.
He shared: “I am delighted with the strong Christmas we delivered for our customers. Our investments in value, quality, and service drove further gains in customer satisfaction and strong growth in fresh food, contributing to our highest UK market share in over a decade.”
The retailer recruited 28,500 additional staff for the festive period and saw double-digit growth in both online sales and its Finest range.
Mr Murphy added: “Competition is as intense as ever and we know value remains a priority for customers.
“We are determined to help customers make their money go further, and earlier this week expanded our Everyday Low Prices commitment to over 3,000 branded products, sitting alongside Aldi Price Match on more than 650 lines and thousands of exclusive offers through Clubcard Prices.
High street store and bank branch closures are on the rise | PA
“I would like to thank all our colleagues for the exceptional service they have given to our customers over this important period; this has been a real team effort. We are well-positioned for the year ahead and remain committed to ensuring customers get the best possible value by shopping at Tesco.”
Here is a full list of the former Amazon Food stores that will be converted to Tesco Express locations:
- Kensington High Street
- Hounslow
- Moorgate
- Aldgate East
- Wembley.
Here is a list of the new Tesco Express store locations that have been confirmed by the supermarket giant:
- Bickington (Devon)
- Pontrhydyrun (Torfaen)
- Strabane (County Tyrone)
- Wallyford (East Lothian).
