Supermarket chain Asda is to add 2,500 new jobs across the UK in 2013 as it invests in online retail, new and existing stores, and its supply chain.

This comes as the firm announces a 4.5% rise in sales in 2012, reaching £22.8bn, with investment of £700m promised.

By the end of this year, it will have opened four new small format supermarkets, five superstores and one non-food outlet.

Asda says that while bricks and mortar stores are central to growth, the shape of its investment has shifted its focus to accelerating its multichannel business.

The company currently has 175,000 people and 568 stores and depots across the UK.