Cheap supermarket plan

A RUSSIAN supermarket that claims to be a third cheaper than Aldi and Lidl is looking to open a store in Hampshire.

Svetofor, which operates under the name Mere in Europe, is reported to be opening its first store in Preston.

It is also planning three more - in Mold and Caldicot in Wales and one in Castleford, West Yorkshire. Its website also lists Southampton as one of 23 areas of interest.

It says: ‘We are looking for suitable locations across UK to expand our retail chain. At the moment, despite coronavirus, we are actively involved with landlords, their representatives and agents with the aim to open our MERE retail stores ASAP.’

The chain, founded in Siberia in 2009, keeps its prices low by only employing eight staff per store and letting suppliers deliver straight to its shelves. It has 3,200 stores globally.