Kingfisher is to take on the multiples next year with an ambitious Woolworths Big W and general store expansion programme. The move follows the group's announcement in September that it intends to demerge its DIY and electrical sectors from general merchandise The retailer opened the eighth Big W superstore in Bradford last Friday, and the fourth General Store in Twickenham last week. A spokesman indicated a move towards nationwide Big W coverage in 2001, but did not quantify how many stores were planned. At least 35 General Stores will open across the UK next year. And Big W, which carries 53,000 lines from Superdrug, B&Q and Woolworths, is moving in on grocery and licensed goods with trials involving P&H drinks supplier Winerite and Booker. Beers, wines and spirits are on sale at seven of its north and Scottish based Big W portfolio. An application for a liqueur license for the new 90,000 sq ft Bradford store was refused. {{NEWS }}