Woolworths tries out new-look superstore

Woolworths is to test a new out-of-town superstore model in the run-up to Christmas, offering an extension of the 'family, kids and celebrations' high street offer.

The variety store group will downsize its Tamworth and Norwich Big Ws from 80,000 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft (7,435 sq m to 3,715 sq m), and is taking out categories such as adult clothing and alcohol, in order to add a wider range of baby products and toys.

Woolworths has spent six months developing the format, which looks likely to be adopted in Big W stores that are not disposed of.

Chief executive Trevor Bish-Jones said: 'We've had a lot of interest in the sites, but we will not be disposing of all of them.'

Woolworths revealed a first-half loss down 5.7 per cent to£32.9 million.

Group sales increased by 5.9 per cent to£1.1 billion, while group like-for-like sales rose 0.3 per cent.