Somerfield this week opened the first of three trial, purpose-built forecourt outlets following the launch of its joint venture with oil company Elf earlier this year (The Grocer, July 13). A second opens in February. The 2,000 sq ft branch in Balham, south London, offers a full range of fresh and dairy products, a selection of fresh meat and frozen foods as well as grocery and household items. A Somerfield spokesman told The Grocer: "Although it is our first petrol forecourt venture, we have a lot of experience of retailing in 2,000 sq ft of space since our portfolio of stores ranges from just over 700 sq ft to 45,000 sq ft." {{NEWS}}

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