Asda Hale Barns opens on old Booths site

Supermarket giant Asda have opened the doors of their newest store today (May 28) on the old site of Hale Barns' Booths.

Shoppers were left 'devastated' by the closure of the high-end chain just weeks ago, dubbing it a 'huge loss' for the area. But Asda have reassured customers they can still expect quality offerings by welcoming them with TikTok comedian Clara Batten as ‘Voice of Reassurance’.

The new store will be the first in the UK to boast a deli counter, offering a selection of cheese and meats from Asda’s premium range. Customers will also be able to pick up fresh bread and pastries at the in-store bakery, and eat in the refurbished cafe.

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Employees at the old 30,000 sq ft Booths store have seen their jobs protected and transferred to Asda. However, reacting to the change in February, some customers raised fears that the change would make the area more "downmarket."

As a response, Asda enlisted the help of TikToker Clara to provide reassuring updates over the tannoy system on the quality of the products available.

Supermarket bosses said that in addition to its core grocery offering, 'the store will serve local causes at the heart of the community through the Asda Foundation'.

Ahead of the opening the Asda Foundation has already awarded a grant of £785 to Altrincham and Hale FC to support the increased running costs of their local team, they added.