Asda to open Living Stores

Asda is to roll out its non food format across the country following a successful 18 month trial. Andy Bond, CEO will unveil the plans this week at groups annual management conference. Bond will tell the conference that Wal-Mart has agreed to press the 'green button' and that 15 Asda Living Stores will be opened by the end of the year - with more to follow.

The out of town stores have a mezzanine floor of George clothing, jewellery, and accessories and a ground floor selling homeware and electrical appliances. Planning rules have frustrated attempts by Asda to open new supermarkets, but obtaining planning permission for non food developments is far easier.