Jempson’s is to open a new store, in Northiam, East Sussex, in early 2014.

The store, which will be branded as Jempson’s Local and will be on the site of an old carpet showroom, will be the fifth supermarket for the Sussex-based operator. It also has five standalone cafes in East Sussex and Kent.

However, the Northiam store has divided opinion among locals. A Facebook page - called Say No to Jempson’s in Northiam - was created in the summer “to prevent Jempson’s from taking over J&J Carpets”.

The retailer also plans to open its sixth store - a 5,000 sq ft Jempson’s Local with adjacent café, in Wadhurst, East Sussex, in Easter 2014.