Tesco to hit Hollywood Blvd.

SAN JOSE, Calif. —British retailer Tesco in July signed a lease to open one of the company’s first locations of its newest grocery store chain, the Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, in Los Angeles, according to an announcement by Federal Realty Investment Trust, which is leasing the property.

The 16,600-square-food store is expected to open at the urban neighborhood shopping center at 7120 Hollywood Boulevard in fall 2008, joining such retailers as DSW Shoe Warehouse and The Knitting Factory.

“The location and ample parking provide the perfect platform for bringing Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, along with other great retailers, to serve the needs of the growing community,” said Chris Weilminster, senior vice president of leasing for Federal Realty Investment Trust.

Tesco said it will open a dozen Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets in the Los Angeles area this fall, with one to be located in Compton—described as a supermarket-starved community.

Each new store will be focused around an information desk for customers and will feature customer assistants to ensure customer satisfaction.