Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market Announces 18 Store Locations in The Bay Area

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market today announced plans to bring fresh, wholesome food at affordable prices to the Bay Area. During today's announcement, CEO Tim Mason disclosed the locations of the company's first 18 store sites in Northern California, which will begin opening in 2009.

Fresh & Easy currently has 37 grocery markets open throughout Southern California and in Nevada and Arizona. The company is a subsidiary of U.K.-based Tesco, one of the world's largest international retailers, which has invested $2 billion over five years in Fresh & Easy. Fresh & Easy will have 50 stores open in the U.S. by the end of next month.

At roughly 10,000 square feet, Fresh & Easy markets are smaller than the typical supermarket to give customers a faster, easier shopping experience. In addition to fresh, prepared foods and produce, Fresh & Easy offers everyone's favorite national brand products and household items, all at everyday low prices.

"Our stores have been well received by customers in Southern California, Nevada and Arizona," said Mason. "Everyone wants fresh, wholesome food at affordable prices and we are confident Fresh & Easy will be a great addition to the Bay Area."

Each Fresh & Easy store employs approximately 20 to 30 people. Fresh & Easy store employees work minimum of 20 hours per week, and are eligible for comprehensive healthcare and other benefits. Entry-level positions pay well over the minimum wage, starting at $10 an hour in California, and offer a quarterly bonus of up to 10%.

Fresh & Easy's private brand has no artificial colors or flavors, no added trans fats, and only uses preservatives where absolutely necessary. The company also offers a range of national brands and authentic products, as well as fresh, prepared meals make in our kitchen.

More information regarding Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market can be found at http://www.freshandeasy.com.

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market

CONTACT: Brendan Wonnacott, +1-916-554-3466, cell, +1-310-384-3833, for
Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market

Web site: http://www.freshandeasy.com/