EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has unveiled plans to open eight stores in Northern California early next year.

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market has unveiled plans to open eight stores in Northern California early next year.

These outlets, which are to be located in the San Francisco Bay Area and Modesto, will be the retailer’s first stores north of Fresno and will create about 160 jobs in the region.

After opening its first market in 2007 in southern California, Fresh & Easy has steadily expanded in the state, moving into Bakersfield in December 2008 and Fresno earlier this year. This month Fresh & Easy is slated to open nine stores in California, including the grocer’s 100th store in the state.

"We’re excited to continue opening new stores and creating jobs throughout California," remarks chief executive officer Tim Mason. "Customers love our stores, and we are eager to introduce northern California to Fresh & Easy and our fresh, wholesome food at affordable prices."

The company notes it has created over 4,000 jobs at the more than 150 stores it operates in California, Arizona and Nevada. Besides fresh-prepared meals, meat and produce, Fresh & Easy offers national brand products and household items at low prices.

The grocer points out that its fresh&easy brand products contain no artificial colors, flavors or added trans fats and use preservatives only when necessary.