Tesco

Tesco plc is a leading British multinational groceries and general merchandise retailer headquartered in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. Founded in 1919 by Sir Jack Cohen, Tesco has grown to become the market leader in groceries within the UK, holding approximately 28.4% of the market share.

Tesco operates a diverse portfolio of store formats across the UK, including large stores such as Tesco Extra and Superstores, as well as convenience stores under the Tesco Express brand. As of April 2024, the company managed around 3,829 stores in the UK, comprising 809 large stores, 2,094 convenience stores, plus additional formats such as One Stop and Booker wholesale stores. This extensive network includes distribution centers, warehouses, and cash and carry operations, supporting its large retail footprint.

The product range offered by Tesco covers fresh food, drinks, bakery, grocery, health and beauty supplies, baby products, clothing, electronics, household appliances, and more, catering to a wide demographic. The retailer also expanded into financial services, petrol stations, telecommunications, and internet services, reflecting diversification beyond core retail activities.

Tesco generates significant revenue, with a reported total revenue of approximately £78 billion (~€90 billion) in recent fiscal years, indicative of its large scale. The UK employs the majority of Tesco's workforce, with more than 50,000 employees working across its store network and support functions.

As a publicly traded company listed on the London Stock Exchange and included in the FTSE 100 index, Tesco maintains a significant presence both on the high street and online. Its business strategy balances affordability with quality, offering various product ranges such as the value-oriented Tesco Value brand and the premium Tesco Finest line.

Tesco remains a pivotal player in the UK retail sector, providing suppliers and manufacturers with access to a wide consumer base through multiple retail formats including supermarkets, convenience stores, hypermarkets, distribution centers, warehouses, and cash and carry outlets.