The Asda supercentre in Huyton stands as one of Merseyside's largest retail spaces, covering an expansive 76,504 square feet. This two-storey store offers a vast range of products and services far beyond a typical grocery shop, but a recent significant change has left a large section of its upper floor empty.
While the Tesco in St Helen's holds the top spot for size in the region at 95,052 square feet, the Huyton Asda provides a comprehensive shopping experience that includes everything from an in-store Greggs to a full-scale clothing department. However, the recent closure of its Decathlon concession highlights the evolving nature of these large retail environments.
Key Takeaways
- Asda's Huyton supercentre is the second-largest supermarket in Merseyside, with 76,504 square feet of space.
- The store features two floors, with groceries on the ground level and clothing and homeware upstairs.
- In-store services include a Greggs, a hot pizza counter, an opticians, and a pharmacy.
- The large Decathlon concession on the upper floor closed on September 14 and the space is now vacant.
A Supermarket on a Grand Scale
Supermarkets play a central role in UK retail, with major chains like Asda, Tesco, and Sainsbury's dominating the grocery market. According to Statista, these large retailers account for the majority of food shopping in the country. The sheer physical size of these stores can be impressive, and Merseyside is home to some of the largest.
The Huyton Asda is officially designated a "supercentre," a title that reflects its vast size and diverse offerings. At 76,504 square feet, it is second only to the Tesco in St Helen's in terms of trading space in the region. This scale allows it to function as more than just a place for a weekly food shop, incorporating elements of a department store and a food court under one roof.
The layout is typical for a store of this size, with two distinct floors. The ground floor is dedicated primarily to food and daily essentials, while the upper level houses the George clothing and homeware departments.
Merseyside's Retail Giants
- Tesco, St Helen's: 95,052 square feet (Largest in Merseyside)
- Asda, Huyton: 76,504 square feet (Second largest)
These figures illustrate the massive footprint of modern superstores in the region.
The Ground Floor Experience: More Than Just Groceries
Upon entering the Huyton Asda, the ground floor immediately presents a wide array of sections. Beyond the standard aisles for fresh produce, packaged goods, and a generous freezer department, the store offers several specialized areas.
A large section near the entrance is dedicated to plants and flowers, alongside another area for takeaway cold food, magazines, and newspapers. This setup caters to customers looking for a quick lunch or a small purchase without needing to navigate the entire store.
In-Store Concessions and Services
One of the most notable features is the presence of other brands within the supermarket. A fully-fledged Greggs operates near the entrance, comparable in size to a standalone high street branch. This adds a significant food-to-go option for shoppers.
Further into the store, there is a dedicated hot food counter and a "make your own pizza" station, expanding the ready-to-eat choices. These services transform the supermarket from a simple grocery store into a multi-purpose destination.
The Rise of In-Store Partnerships
Supermarkets increasingly partner with other brands like Greggs, Costa Coffee, and Decathlon to diversify their offerings and attract more customers. These concessions utilize large store footprints and provide added convenience, encouraging shoppers to spend more time and money in one location.
The ground floor also houses essential health services, including an Asda Opticians and a pharmacy. These are complemented by extensive aisles for health and beauty products, as well as sections for stationery and toys. A prominent "seasonal" aisle was also present during a recent visit, featuring a large selection of Halloween decorations and chocolate tubs.
Upstairs: A Full Department Store
Ascending to the second floor reveals a space divided almost equally between clothing and homeware. The George at Asda department is substantial, with a selection and layout that rivals many dedicated high street clothing stores.
The range includes menswear, womenswear, children's clothing, and a lingerie section. Crucially, the department is equipped with a fitting room, a feature not always found in supermarket clothing areas. This elevates the shopping experience beyond a simple browse-and-buy model.
The homeware section is equally comprehensive. It offers everything from small decorative ornaments to larger appliances like vacuum cleaners. A dedicated area for DIY supplies, including a selection of paint, caters to home improvement needs. Shoppers can also find a large display of gift cards and a photo lab that includes a small studio space for portraits.
The Vacant Space: A Major Change for the Supercentre
Despite the extensive range of products and services, a significant portion of the upper floor is now empty. The space formerly occupied by a large Decathlon concession is now shuttered and vacant. The sports retailer was a major draw for the supercentre, offering a wide variety of sporting goods.
According to a store manager, the Decathlon concession closed to the public on September 14. The closure marks a notable change in the store's offering. The reasons for the closure were not provided, and there was no information available on what might replace the popular sports retailer.
A manager at the store confirmed the closure date of September 14 but did not provide details on future plans for the large, now-empty retail space.
The empty unit is a stark reminder of the challenges facing even the largest retail spaces. Filling such a significant footprint will be a key task for Asda's management. For now, shoppers visiting the Huyton supercentre will find a wide variety of goods, but the absence of the once-prominent sports store is a noticeable omission.
The future of this space remains uncertain, but its vacancy opens up possibilities for new partnerships or an expansion of Asda's existing departments. Local shoppers will be watching to see what comes next for one of Merseyside's biggest supermarkets.