Asda is pulling in a million new shoppers through its doors a year as it opens new stores and improves its offer, according to chief operating officer Tony de Nunzio. The chain's stores were so busy, he said, that Asda's biggest challenge was keeping shelves fully stocked. "We have got our best ever availability despite the fact that keeping in sale is difficult because we are doing so well," he said. De Nunzio again insisted Asda could continue to develop without the need for any acquisition. "We have a strong strategy and can grow aggressively." New formats and store openings are one of Asda's engines of growth, and it is half way through a programme of opening up to 12 new stores this year. New stores, extensions and its space swop' efficiency programme have already delivered 600,000 sq ft of extra space this year. Next year's plans are also well advanced, with new openings scheduled in Basingstoke, Sutton, Harrow, Stevenage and Crawley. The latest Taylor Nelson Sofres figures support Asda's claims to be the sector's fastest growing retailer, with strong sales of general merchandise driving market share increases. And £321m of new business has been snatched from rival chains this year, claims the market researcher. Safeway disputed claims that it had taken the brunt of the damage, but said the fact it had lost ground to retailers putting down more new floor space during the year should come as no surprise l Asda riding high in our Tradetrak figures ­ see p18. {{NEWS }}

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