US grocer Whole Foods Market has confirmed its commitment to the UK by hiring Bank Fashion property director Nina Shores to spearhead its expansion.

Shores will take up the post of vice-president of real estate in early January, after working for Bank for more than two years.

She will drive Whole Foods’ expansion in the UK, searching for a second store in London, as well as further sites in the rest of the UK.

It is understood that Whole Foods has been examining potential sites in Bristol, Edinburgh and Manchester. Whole Foods declined to comment.

The US food retailer is also understood to be searching for sites in the rest of Europe, but is believed to be keen to cement its UK presence first.