Here Comes Tesco

Tesco PLC (Hertfordshire, U.K.), the European supermarket and convenience store giant, has announced the dates and locations for the debut of its Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market concept in the U.S.

The six California stores will open in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007.

In addition to these six locations, Fresh & Easy will also open stores in San Diego, Phoenix and Las Vegas by the end of the year.

At roughly 10,000 square feet, these neighborhood markets will be smaller than the typical supermarket but larger than most c-stores. Fresh & Easy has also committed to building LEED-certified buildings as part of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program; recycle or reuse all shipping and display materials; and use environmentally friendly trailers to transport food. The company invested in California's largest solar roof installation on its distribution center in Riverside.

Tesco, the largest retailer in the U.K., says it has spent years researching and planning the Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market format, conducting extensive customer research in local U.S. markets, even spending time in the homes of consumers looking at shopping and cooking patterns.

“After great anticipation, we are thrilled to open our doors to neighborhoods in Southern California and offer them fresh, wholesome food at affordable prices,” said Fresh & Easy ceo Tim Mason. “We are also excited to demonstrate our strong commitment to being a good neighbor and a great place to work.”

Internationally, Tesco operates some 4000 supermarkets, supercenters and convenience shops, in the U.K., Ireland, Central Europe and Asia, under the Tesco Express, Tesco Metro and Tesco Extra nameplates.