Signs of change: Fresh & Easy re-tooling mp1

It was in late March of this year that Tesco’s Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market announced it would take a three-month break from opening stores. That would indicate store openings would be likely to resume around the end of June.

But the retailer announced early this month that it now plans to begin opening stores in Northern California next year, which seems to signal that the break could be considerably longer than three months. While it is possible other stores will be opened this summer in other markets, there was no indication of that in a May 1 statement posted on the company’s Web site.

The company currently operates 61 markets throughout Southern California and in Arizona and Nevada.

Meanwhile, during its self-imposed hiatus in new-store openings, the retailer has been busy polishing the presentation in its existing stores, announcing on May 12 that it is adding 250 items to its selection of own-brand foods.

The retailer is also highlighting its organic products with a green organic band on the front label for easy identification. Organic eggs and dairy products come from animals that are not given antibiotics or growth hormones, the retailer said.

Some organic products available at Fresh & Easy include

- fresh&easy Organic Shredded Cheddar & Monterey Jack Cheese, 6 oz – $2.39

- fresh&easy Organic Mango Lemonade, 59 fl oz – $2.99

- fresh&easy Organic Medium Brown Cage Free Eggs, 1 dozen – $1.99

- fresh&easy Organic Applewood Smoked Turkey, 6 oz – $3.69

- fresh&easy Organic Ketchup, 20 oz – $1.65

- fresh&easy Organic Creamy Peanut Butter, 16 oz – $2.98

- fresh&easy Organic Whole Wheat Flour, 2 lbs – $1.25

- fresh&easy Organic Strawberry Low-Fat Yogurt, 6 oz – $0.98

- fresh&easy Organic Shells & Cheese, 6 oz – $0.99

- fresh&easy Organic Baked Beans, 15 oz – $0.98

- fresh&easy Organic Breakfast Blend Ground Coffee, 12 oz – $4.99

- fresh&easy Organic 100% Apple Juice, 64 fl oz – $2.99

 

Nearly half of all products carried in stores are Fresh & Easy brand, according to the company.

The 250 new own-brand products that are being added include fresh prepared ready meals, new juices and brewed teas, soy and goat yogurt, and a range of ready-to-grill meats, the retailer said. One of the new products already in stores is a mixed grill pack, which retails for $9.99 and contains four sausages, four beef patties, four chicken thighs and four chicken drumsticks.

At roughly 10,000 square feet, Fresh & Easy markets are smaller than the typical supermarket, and designed, according to the retailer, to give customers a fast, easy shopping experience. In addition to fresh, prepared meals and produce, Fresh & Easy offers national brand products and household items, at everyday low prices.

Each store employs approximately 20 to 30 people. All Fresh & Easy employees work a minimum of 20 hours per week, which the retailer said ensures everyone is eligible for comprehensive, affordable health care. Entry-level positions start at $10 an hour in California, with similarly competitive salaries in other states, and offer a quarterly bonus of up to 10 percent, according to the company.