A RUSSIAN supermarket, which claims to be cheaper than both Aldi and Lidl, wants to open a store in Southampton.

Mere will be an unfamiliar name to many shoppers, but from the summer stores will begin to spring up across the country.

The firm plans to open at least 200 'self-service' stores within a five-to-10-year timeframe, with its first to open in Preston in July.

Mere, which is known in Russia as Svetofor, was founded in Siberia in 2009. It currently has around 3,000 stores internationally. The first European Mere store opened in 2018.

And according to a "location wish list" on its website, the firm says it wants to bring the store to Southampton.

It read: “We are looking for suitable locations across UK to expand our retail chain.

“Despite coronavirus, we are actively involved with landlords, their representatives and agents with the aim to open our Mere retail stores as soon as possible.”

It adds that any site it takes in the city must be around 10,000 sq ft, with parking spaces for 30-40 cars.

A spokesperson added: "We are launching a network throughout the UK, and we are planning to open at least 200 self-service stores within next 5-10 years.

"Now, in such a difficult times, we consider it’s our mission to provide each region with the presence of our stores in support of the population.

"Our partnerships are built not only with large manufacturers, we are also focused on local manufacturers and will be happy to provide each of them with an opportunity to work with the retail chain.

"Our business concept allows us to adapt to specific national and regional consumer needs. Close interaction with regional manufacturers and suppliers allows us to build trust."