Tesco is continuing to invest in the future growth of its US Fresh & Easy stores, in spite of saying earlier this year that it had put the second stage of its US expansion in northern California on hold.

The retailer has opened 125 of its small format, hard-discount stores in southern California, Las Vegas and Phoenix over the past two years, seeking to woo customers with a focus on its low-cost private-label foods and prepared meals.

In April it said it was slowing the pace of store openings in its existing areas and that it would delay its move into northern California, originally planned for this year, because of the economy. It did not give a new date for the expansion.  

Financial Times