A brand new supermarket opened in Oxford this week - but what do we know about it?

The Food Warehouse is still a relatively new brand but now has 150 stores nationwide, following the opening of its Oxford Retail Park on Tuesday. 

The first 150 shoppers were welcomed to the Cowley branch with a voucher and a box of chocolates. 

It is a part of the Iceland Food Group and is billed as the company's answer to Costco, the bulk-selling American chain superstore that offers membership in exchange for discounted products.

The Food Warehouse is much like a normal supermarket and no membership is required.

With The Food Warehouse's new unit opening in Cowley on Tuesday, we take a look at everything you need to know.

Oxford Mail:

What is The Food Warehouse?

Founded in 2014, The Food Warehouse was created to be Iceland's "big brother" - a large bulk-buying destination for shoppers.

Iceland describes The Food Warehouse as a 'concept store' and is a relatively new brand with 150 stores nationwide. Iceland has 800 stores in comparison. 

But it plans to open a further 30 stores across the UK over the next year. 

Each is designed to be a large format warehouse store covering between 8,000 and 15,000 sq. ft. of retail space. It has drawn inspiration from Costco's minimalist look and big-name products. 

The company is expanding into retail parks to enable shoppers to (mostly) get free parking. This will be the case at Oxford Retail Park where parking is free.

On its website it says: "Our stores offer a fresh new way to shop. Pick up our bigger packs and make big savings on everyday products from brands such as Heinz, Pepsi and Capri-Sun. Look out for some of the exclusive partnerships we have across a range of foods by brands including Slimming World and Greggs."

Who owns the company? 

The Food Warehouse is owned by the Walker family, who also own Iceland. 

Its managing director is Richard Walker, the son of Iceland's founder and executive chairman Michael Walker.

In an interview with PR Week previously, Michael spoke about having his dad on hand for advice. He told the publication: "My father is our executive chairman.

"He’s still very hands-on and we continue to learn from him every day. Since I became managing director I have taken responsibility for people and stores, as well as being MD of The Food Warehouse, our larger-store-format brand.

"My dad is very keen to give me full autonomy in these areas, but of course he is an unrivalled source of advice, having run the business for close to 50 years."

What items does it sell? 

The retailer sells frozen, fresh and dry produce as well as homeware items. It carries the same lines as Iceland as well as international brands.

New visitors to the store will also find a number of brands only available at The Food Warehouse (and Iceland) including Greggs, Ed's Diner, Slimming World, TGI Friday's, Del Monte and Harry Ramsden's. 

What time will The Food Warehouse in Oxford be open? 

The 11,190 square foot supermarket at Oxford Retail Park in Cowley will be open Monday to Saturday from 8am until 8pm. On Sundays it will be open from 10am until 4pm.

How many jobs has the new store created? 

The new supermarket in Oxford has created 30 new jobs for the community, according to The Food Warehouse.