Wal-Mart says it will be pursuing a “passion for fresh and delicious food” and “the highest level of customer service” in small neighbourhood grocery stores – its first new format for a decade.

The world’s largest retailer – best-known for sprawling superstores with minimal service levels – says that its planned 15,000 sq ft Marketside neighbourhood stores will be “dedicated to helping our customers answer the question ‘What’s for dinner?’.”