Woolies plans dual format for two new stores

Shopfitter Wates Retail is working with Woolworths on new stores at Harlow in Essex and Byker, the eastern suburb of Newcastle.

The 35,000 sq ft (3,250 sq m) Byker store was supposed to be a Big W format, but, according to Wates business development director David Stanley, it will now be a hybrid of the 10/10 format designed by consultancy Campbell Rigg and a store design from the in-house team. The Byker store is scheduled to open in early October, with the Harlow outlet to follow in mid-November.

- Wates has won a£1.2 million contract to fit out a Primark store in Lincoln. The shopfitter will also be fitting out interiors for Littlewoods' trial stores at Ashford in Kent and Camberley in Surrey. The stores are scheduled to open in September.