Safeway is to launch its first hypermarket this autumn as part of a major overhaul of its whole portfolio. The multiple plans to open 70 of the hypermarkets over the next three years, starting at Pomphlett in Plymouth this September. Safeway director of communications Kevin Hawkins said the hypermarket was "a bigger version of the superstore, with one or two extra new ideas, which have not been finalised yet". Hawkins said the new 50,000 sq ft hypermarkets would be rebuilds and extensions of existing stores, due to difficulties in getting planning permission to build new stores. The hypermarket format will offer an enhanced non food range, geared towards household goods. There will also be an extended Fresh to Go offer, Cafe Fresco bistro, photo processor and dry cleaner on site. Hawkins said Safeway had ruled out clothing from its new non food mix, despite the fact its multiple competitors Tesco, Sainsbury and Asda all offer clothing ranges. The multiple is to open at least three of the hypermarkets this financial year to maximise returns from space currently lying empty in its portfolio. The pilot Pomphlett store is situated in a brownfield location, the site of a quarry. {{NEWS }}

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