Delhaize smaller format broadens scope for growth

Delhaize is to open a smaller Food Lion store-type in the US in an effort to create more scope for growth.

Speaking at the Deutsche Bank Global Food Retail Conference in Madrid, president and chief executive officer Pierre Oliver Beckers said that the business in the US would be expanded via two formats - the existing 38,000 sq ft (3,505 sq m) store type and the new, smaller 28,000 sq ft (2,600 sq m) outlet.

He said: 'We'll put the 28,000 sq ft store in smaller towns. They will have lower break-even points for us (than bigger stores).' The smaller shops will still carry an extensive fresh food offer.