Smallworths in South Croydon will mark its first anniversary this Saturday and already has plans for a new website and refit.
Former Woolworths manager Asad Khan, who opened the Smallworths shop on Addington Road last August told DIY Week it had been a successful year, despite a tough retail climate. "Business has been good although nothing compared with last year. I think the norm in the current retail environment is if you're breaking even, you're happy. Well, we've exceeded that."

Mr Khan is in the process of developing a new transactional website for the business, which retails a Woolworths-style offer, including home, DIY and garden ranges, as well as toys and pick'n'mix. The site www.smallworths.co.uk will go live later this year, in time for Christmas. Free delivery will be offered on a number of products, which Mr Khan explains is an important service when so many customers are watching what they're spending. He is also considering a reserve and collect function.

The store is also increasing its DIY and kitchen offer, due to an increase in demand. "We are increasing our ranges as and when customers ask for it," explains Mr Khan. "We've increased our DIY offer significantly and will continue to do so because there's such as demand for it - for hardware ranges, tools and paint. We're increasing our paint range quite a bit, as well as our kitchen offer."

Having given the store, a former Woolworths outlet that had stood empty for 18 months, an initial refit when first Smallworths opened on August 24, Mr Khan now plans to freshen up the retail space again. "We are having a mini refit this Saturday. It will be done overnight and we will be relocating the cash desks to the back of the store, which should free up around 60sq ft."

Smallworths will mark its first year of trading on Saturday with customer offers, refreshments and product giveaways. Looking to the future, Mr Khan is keen to continue to expand the business but insists it is worth doing one step at a time. He explained: "You don't want to overpromise and underdeliver."