Carrefour executives are are due to visit the island

The move has been welcomed by politicians eager to see more competition on the island.

Concerns were raised after Channel Island Traders bought the Safeway stores in Jersey and Guernsey.

Several politicians have called for a third supermarket, and representatives from the French company Carrefour are due to visit Jersey soon.

Jobs boost

Deputy Voisin, Economic Development President, said there were sites available, but the authorities could not consider any proposals until an application was submitted.

The Co-op says it has been cashing in on the takeover as people vote with their feet following the takeover of Safeway.

Fifteen full-time and seven temporary posts have been created to cope with increased demand.

St Martin's store assistant-manager Paul Power, said: "We had anticipated some increase in business in response to the CI Traders takeover, but had no idea that islanders would boycott Safeway to such an extent."