Asda opens Merchandising Centre of Excellence

Asda has opened a new Merchandising Centre of Excellence designed to enable the retailer and its suppliers to test store layouts and construction plans virtually.

The new MCE on Great Wilson Street in Leeds, a full-size model store for mocking up different shelf layouts and a state-of-the-art virtual reality lab.

The site also has a 650-seat auditorium, where Asda will host conferences for colleagues and suppliers.

The build took eight weeks from start to finish. A previous MCE had been located on the old Tetley Brewery site until earlier this year.

Manager Shaun Bamforth said: “The new MCE is a significant investment for Asda and a great way for us to ensure that we’re getting everything right for our customers before we roll it out to stores. It’s also a boost to the local economy in Leeds – as well as the investment during the construction phase, the site gives us the ability to host conferences and events that will bring thousands of people into the city centre each year.”