Hemet is soon to have one of the first of over 100 new "Fresh & Easy" food stores slated to open throughout the South West. Opening soon at the South West Corner of Florida Ave. and Lyon, U.K. based Tesco Foods has high hopes for this location and over 100 others scattered across the State of California, Nevada and Arizona to follow over the coming months.

At the very least, the shopping center at Florida and Lyon has received a much needed face lift as a result of the soon to open food store. Although complete details of the products and services to be offered at the Fresh and Easy stores is not readily available, it seems that these stores may mirror U.K. Tesco stores on a smaller scale.

Tesco in the U.K. offers a wide range of standard food and household products plus regional variations designed to attract more local business. You can find Tesco stores throughout England similar to what we see with Stater Brothers throughout the state of California. Just about every neighborhood has one within a stones throw. Major differences between the two other than being located half way around the globe and across the "pond", are Tesco's focus on prepared foods and offerings that change to meet a specific region.  Although you will find many Asian products in all stores, the variety will change from each region. Focusing on the consumers needs has helped them maintain market share.

Can California handle another food store? If they focus on the needs of the consumer on a local level, there is certainly room for them in this market. Stores like Wal-Mart, Trader Joe's and Stater Brothers rely on the "all things to everyone" approach. You can find just about the same items at all stores with little varietal change between locations. You will likely find the same items at all stores.

If Tesco's Fresh and Easy stores focus on area consumers by changing their offerings as they have done in the United Kingdom and offer freshly prepared foods that meet local tastes with a good variety, they may just fill a niche in the market. Maybe they will bring back the feel of the long missing neighborhood store. Only time will tell and we wont have to wait long to see the results. I look forward to seeing the store's grand opening.

More Tesco - Fresh & Easy News 

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