Asda is considering introducing new concessions to its Supercentre stores from companies such as Apple, Sony and Orange, The Grocer has learnt.
The retailer is looking at ways to enhance its Supercentre offer and is understood to be talking to a range of vendors.
"I don't think the team are looking at counters - if anything they'll be mini shops, a bit like Timpson and Johnsons The Cleaners," said an Asda spokeswoman.
"There is nothing concrete at this stage though, we are simply scoping out options."
However, a Supercentre store manager said his branch was undergoing a refit later this year and that although concession plans were "under wraps," he believed an Apple concession, which would be run by a specialist from the company with the help of Asda staff, would be rolled out to the store within three months.
"We also want to bring in a Sony Tech Centre where shoppers can buy specialist equipment and get specialist advice, as well as an Orange shop," he said.
The plans were to enable Asda's larger stores to showcase the best of what the chain offered and provide a point of difference, he added.
In 2006, Tesco became the first supermarket to introduce Apple Zones, kicking off with a 120 sq ft zone at its High Wycombe store dedicated to products such as iPods, Macs, iTune cards and speakers, run by both Apple and Tesco staff.
Although Tesco currently sold Apple lines in some stores, it no longer had any concessions or plans for any, said a Tesco spokesman.
The retailer is looking at ways to enhance its Supercentre offer and is understood to be talking to a range of vendors.
"I don't think the team are looking at counters - if anything they'll be mini shops, a bit like Timpson and Johnsons The Cleaners," said an Asda spokeswoman.
"There is nothing concrete at this stage though, we are simply scoping out options."
However, a Supercentre store manager said his branch was undergoing a refit later this year and that although concession plans were "under wraps," he believed an Apple concession, which would be run by a specialist from the company with the help of Asda staff, would be rolled out to the store within three months.
"We also want to bring in a Sony Tech Centre where shoppers can buy specialist equipment and get specialist advice, as well as an Orange shop," he said.
The plans were to enable Asda's larger stores to showcase the best of what the chain offered and provide a point of difference, he added.
In 2006, Tesco became the first supermarket to introduce Apple Zones, kicking off with a 120 sq ft zone at its High Wycombe store dedicated to products such as iPods, Macs, iTune cards and speakers, run by both Apple and Tesco staff.
Although Tesco currently sold Apple lines in some stores, it no longer had any concessions or plans for any, said a Tesco spokesman.
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