TESCO, Southampton’s biggest retailer by some margin, is preparing to extend its share of the city’s shopping spend with another new store.

The new Tesco Express in High Street, near the Bargate, which creates 17 new jobs, is the supermarket giant’s 21st store to be sited in and immediately around the city.

When it opens next week, it will become the third supermarket to move into the bottom end of the city’s main shopping street.

The Co-op and, more recently, budget chain Aldi have both opened branches on the street, which has been hard-hit by the recession, with a string of empty shops.

Local traders are left nervously eyeing the arrival of another “aggressive competitor” when the ribbon is cut at the new store on Tuesday.

Rashmi Chande, of the East Street Traders’ Association, which has 33 members, said: “I think it will certainly hit the grocery shops and the confectionery, tobacco and news businesses. As for the rest, only time will tell.

“They are very aggressive, there is no doubt they are a massive force to reckon with and some independent traders will find it tough to compete. The Aldi is already having an effect.

“The plus point is that at least the retail scene there is taking more shape and if it pulls in more people, then so much the better. Traders are taking a wait and see attitude.

“In the end the consumer makes up his mind and votes with his feet.”

Tesco store manager Scott Hedges said: “We have recruited a great team of people and I am looking forward to working with them.”

The new store will feature a cash machine, a bakery, a National Lottery terminal and two self-service tills.

Southampton has nearly double the number of Tesco stores as comparative cities such as Portsmouth, and local politicians have previously questioned whether the prevalence of the chain restricts choice.

Tesco employs more than 8,400 in Hampshire, including around 3,000 people in and immediately around South-ampton, including a major distribution depot in Nursling.