Retailers and c-store customers have welcomed the relaunch of the new look and new size Guardian newspaper.

Launched on September 12, the paper now comes in a Berliner format, which is a size part way between a tabloid and a broadsheet, and has every page printed in colour.

The move has already seen sales increase by 40% in the first week on shelves, according to ABC figures, and is proving popular with retailers. Mark Ayling, who runs Pipers News in Hailsham, East Sussex, says: “It looks really good on shelf and we’ve had no problems fitting it in alongside the other titles. We’ve also had a few customers saying how much they like the look of it.”

Chris Pollard, who runs Barlby Village Store in Barlby, North Yorkshire, also acknowledges that the new-look paper had had a good response. He comments: “It has definitely sold well, so let’s hope that continues, plus it looks good on shelf.” The relaunch of the paper follows similar moves to a smaller format by the Independent and Times in 2003