Sep 28, 2007 8:38 AM

Tesco announced plans for its United States venture, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, to open grocery stores throughout the "Inland Empire" of California. This area in Southern California is in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Fresh & Easy identified 48 store locations in the Inland Empire, with some sites already under consideration. At roughly 10,000 square feet, these neighborhood markets will be smaller than the typical supermarket to give customers a faster, easier shopping experience. The company also plans to open stores throughout Southern California, Phoenix AZ, and Las Vegas NV starting in November.

The company’s Riverside distribution center is projected to employ approximately 1,500 to 2,000 employees over the next five years, and the 48 stores initially will bring nearly 1,400 more jobs to the area.