While the store is currently closed for damage assessment, its future remains uncertain, with Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason reporting that the damage level might prevent it from resuming trading.
Asda is exploring alternative ways to serve customers, including restoring its click-and-collect service and making donations to local community groups for cleanup efforts.
Asda is committed to retaining as many staff as possible, with plans to relocate employees to different locations in the short term and considering setting up a temporary shop.
Local politicians, including MLA Cathy Mason and SDLP MLA Colin McGrath, are advocating for the protection of jobs and a quick recovery for Downpatrick.
The town was heavily affected by the flooding, and while the UK government has offered a £15m fund to assist impacted businesses, concerns remain that this amount may not be sufficient for all necessary repairs.