NINE new jobs have been created as a new shop gears up to open inside a Hereford Co-op Food store this week.

The Original Factory Shop has joined forces with Co-op to open a new concession inside the Grandstand Road store in Hereford.

The brand new concession, opening on Thursday, occupies 2,228 square feet, and will see The Original Factory Shop bring its range of bargain-based clothing, pet products, electricals, homewares, a party shop service and reserve and collect to the local community in a shop within a shop concept.

The Original Factory Shop branch manager Chris Leighton said: “We’ve got a fantastic new team and brand new concession here at the Hereford Co-op.

"The fact that we have been able to recruit for nine new job positions within the local area adds to the buzz and helps us to better serve our local community with expert knowledge and advice.

"It marks the coming together of two great community retailers and is testament to the importance of convenience stores and the role that these shops play in local life.”

Gareth Jones, manager at Co-op’s Grandstand Road store, said: “Co-op is committed to connecting communities and creating value locally, and our aim is to operate at the heart of local life.

"We continually work to develop the range, choice, products and added services to create a truly compelling offer, conveniently.

"And we are delighted to partner with The Original Factory Shop at our Grandstand Road store.”

The Original Factory Shop will be open seven days a week from 6am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, as well as 10am to 4pm Sunday, and will occupy the space left by clothing chain Peacocks.

Founded in 1969, the chain said it offers up to 70 per cent off big-name brands such as Nike, Adidas and Trespass.