Tesco is set to expand its UK presence with 11 new stores, including nine Tesco Express shops and two large Tesco stores, opening across the country before 2027. The supermarket is strategically acquiring five former Amazon Fresh locations in London and converting them into Tesco Express stores, set to open before summer. Additionally, new Express supermarkets are coming to Bickington in Devon, Pontrhydyrun in Torfaen, Strabane in County Tyrone, and Wallyford in East Lothian, with their exact launch dates yet to be confirmed. Alongside these openings, two new large Tesco stores will be introduced in Scotland, though the exact format (Tesco Extra or Tesco Superstore) is unclear. Tesco's expansion plans come as a surprise, given the company's recent announcement of 60 new Express stores in 2025, and it's on track to open 70 more before 2027. This growth strategy is part of Tesco's commitment to supporting local economies and communities across the UK. However, it's worth noting that Tesco's expansion might not be the most cost-effective for regular weekly shoppers, as it's still outperformed by Aldi and Lidl for normal grocery shopping. The full list of new Tesco locations includes Kensington High Street, Hounslow, Moorgate, Aldgate East, Wembley in London, Bickington in Devon, Pontrhydyrun in Torfaen, Strabane in County Tyrone, and Wallyford in East Lothian for Tesco Express, and Pitlochry in Perth and Kinross and Heartlands in West Lothian for the large Tesco stores. Meanwhile, the Co-op is opening 18 new and improved supermarkets, and Lidl is launching 19 new supermarkets across the UK in 2026, adding to the competitive landscape in the UK grocery market.
