A FOOD retailer says it will create 30 jobs when it opens a new store on Crewe's Grand Junction Retail Park.

Food Warehouse, which is part of the Iceland group, is getting ready to move into premises vacated by Aldi who switched to a bigger store at University Way in June.

Contractors have been fitting out the new Food Warehouse store at the northern head of the retail park to get it ready for an opening on November 17.

The warehouse format is seen as Iceland's answer to American bulk-selling chain Costco which offers membership in exchange for discounted goods. It's motto is 'Big Deals, Big Packs, Big Choice'.

You won't need to be a member to shop at the Food Warehouse, but the store's wholesale and bulk buying offering will be attractive to small businesses and large families value across-the-board items and large bulk-buy items.

Food Warehouse stores are designed to cover between 8,000 and 25,000 sq.ft of retail space and their interior has a minimalist look, but they sell big-name branded products.

So far there are only around 100 stores nationwide, but Iceland is targeting retail parks and larger shopping districts for more openings this year.

The store's arrival in Crewe will be good news for the Grand Junction which has been hit by a number of outlets closing during the pandemic, including Laura Ashley and restaurants Bella Italia and Chiquito's.

As well as luxury frozen food and large-pack groceries Food Warehouse sells general merchandise and homeware items.

It's corporate publicity says of its stores: "It takes the same great product lines (as Iceland) and extends them in a warehouse space, giving customers the ability to buy in bulk and take advantage of some fantastic savings.

"These premium quality product lines are also complimented by a limited general merchandise offer that benefits regular shoppers."