The success of Asda's smaller store design ­ pioneered in Bodmin ­ has led the retailer to rethink its store format programme. The programme ­ which will be unveiled in two weeks ­ will contain three categories: supercentres, superstores and small stores. Asda has already opened a second, 29,000 sq ft store in Cramlington in the north east of England with more small stores lined up. Asda director of property Stephen Clark said: "Asda is constantly evolving its store designs and takes a flexible approach to development. "We aim to make every store a valued part of the local community so designs will vary, dependent upon the requirements of the location and situation." Asda said the Bodmin store was the first new build small store (25,000 sq ft) to include both food and clothing, and had provided valuable inspiration for the design of other small stores. It claimed it had only been possible to design a smaller store selling non food since the introduction of Wal-Mart's systems. An Asda spokeswoman added: "Under Wal-Mart we've become a lot more flexible in the mixture of formats we're able to offer. Supercentres will be located in areas with excellent infrastructure and act as both a local and a destination shop, whereas small stores are more suitable for towns or suburban areas and cater specifically for the needs of those areas." Asda also revealed plans to open a 40,000 sq ft superstore in Southport in March. It opened nine new stores during 2001, including six supercentres, taking its store tally to 250. {{NEWS }}

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