TESCO is set to open nine new stores after they took over a rival supermarket chain.
The supermarket giant bought Shoprite, which has been operating on the Isle of Man for more than 50 years, back in October.
Shoprite, which first opened in 1972, had been one of the island’s main employers and sold a mix of Sainsbury’s products as well as fresh produce from Robinson’s, a local business.
But earlier this year they announced their closure – and Tesco bought up the nine stores on the Island.
Now, after giving the locations a new look, the chain is set to open the stores – and introduce more than 100 jobs into the community.
Before the sale, Tesco only had one store on the island, in the capital Douglas, which opened in 2000.
But now they will have shops all around the island, including Castletown, Port Erin, Ramsey and Peel.
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said: “I welcome the news of job creation by Tesco as this demonstrates their commitment to not only maintain stability of our food supply, but also open further opportunities for the workforce.
“The Department for Enterprise, along with our colleagues at The Department of Environment Food and Agriculture, have maintained close contact with Tesco management since their announcement, and continues to work to ensure the transition period has minimal impact on residents, and all supplier concerns are raised and communicated appropriately.”
When the stores shut the majority shareholders of Shoprite, Deryck and Kevin Nicholson thanked their “loyal” staff and said the sale had been a “carefully considered” decision.
Tesco boss Jason Tarry said the firm was committed to delivering “fantastic value” to shoppers on the island.
Tarry added Shoprite had “built a fantastic business over many years” and he was “really pleased that we’ve reached this agreement”.
It comes as the country’s most affordable supermarket for a Christmas shop has been revealed and prices are lower than last year.
Shoppers could save £20.62 buying a basket of goods at the cheapest supermarket, compared to the most expensive, according to analysis by Which?.
Aldi stole the crown as the cheapest shop with a basket costing £76.77 on average.
The budget retailer regained the title after Lidl was named the cheapest basket in October, ending Aldi’s 16-month streak.