Tescos Largest Supermarket Essay Example
Tescos Largest Supermarket Essay Example

Tescos Largest Supermarket Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (895 words)
  • Published: July 10, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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Tesco is the largest supermarket in the UK, earning an average of just over ?5,000 per minute and raking in ?120,000 in profits each day. This formidable success makes it difficult for other supermarkets to compete on the same economic level. Founded by Jack Cohen in 1919, Tesco began as a small grocery stall in East London. Cohen's decision to sell additional groceries resulted in a ?4 sale and ?1 profit, paving the way for Tesco's future success. Remarkably, Tesco now operates a staggering 4,811 stores, with 756 of them being express stores, and employs over 475,000 people. Despite the widespread acclaim for Tesco and its slogan "Every Little Helps," some argue that it is not as helpful or amazing as it is perceived to be. In reality, Tesco's growth and status as the UK's largest supermarket since the 1990s can largely be attributed to its support of government s

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chemes and plans through sponsorship.

For instance, Tesco has contributed 12 million pounds to the millennium dome and established the school vouchers scheme. The company's connections and influence are evident, as Terry Lee, Tesco's executive, was knighted with the help of Tony Blair's endorsement. In addition to selling groceries, Tesco has expanded its product range in order to attract more customers and increase overall profits. It now offers consumer goods, financial services, and operates Tesco Mobile. However, some perceive Tesco as a bully. Richard Kemp has experienced this firsthand, citing instances where Tesco prioritizes its own interests over those of less influential groups and organizations, such as the council. Furthermore, Tesco possesses both the financial resources and authority to fiercely defend itself against legal actions brought against

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them.

Tesco exercised a significant amount of control in a case where they denied the rights of Mr. Richard Kemp. Another instance that tarnished Tesco's reputation was the construction of new branches in specific areas. While Tesco managed to obtain planning permission in most areas, one community vehemently opposed the building of a new store. The community organized a petition against Tesco's due to potential traffic congestion caused by unboxing lorries and the adverse impact on other local businesses, leading one community member to exclaim, "It's like living in a Tesco Carpark!" Additionally, Tesco's cunning and sneakiness were evident in the construction of a store in Slough in 2003. Despite already having a large Tesco store in Slough, Tesco sought to seize a local opportunity. They eyed a massive building that was previously owned by COOP, but having two stores would violate terms and be unfair to other supermarkets.

Here's the sneaky bit, Tesco's purchased the building for 27 million, acquiring ownership without the government's knowledge. As a result, they had two large stores but were not permitted to have them both, so they returned to the old store. Afterwards, they sold the land to four different buyers, effectively eliminating any competition since only a small express supermarket was opened on that site.

Now, let's delve into more detail about the 'Computer's for Schools' scheme and its operation. Tesco's introduced this scheme based on their 'Every Little Helps' motto. During a ten-week period, customers were able to save vouchers which could later be used in their child's school in exchange for equipment, be it sporting gear or computers. This scheme provided a significant boost for Tesco's, greatly enhancing

their reputation and profitability. Customers received one voucher for every ?10 spent.

Collecting the mentioned vouchers allows for trading towards acquiring the mentioned equipment. Tesco's strategy involves enticing and appealing customers by having celebrities or politicians donate the equipment to schools, thus increasing Tesco's reputation. Astonishing figures reveal the number of vouchers needed for each item: 1. A PC requires ?250,000 spent at the checkouts; 2. A football necessitates ?2,200 spent at the checkouts; 3. A trampoline demands ?1,000,000 spent at the checkouts. These numbers appear shocking and extremely difficult to attain, particularly for such modest trades. Additionally, Tesco benefits from its ability to avoid certain taxes by evading stamp duty, as many stores are owned by multiple owners before reaching Tesco.

According to this information, Tesco has been able to avoid ?45 million worth of stamp duty tax by exploiting a legal loophole involving owners from different countries with no tax obligations. Despite their actions, Tesco argues that they are simply trying to avoid unnecessary costs and not breaking any laws. Despite having positive impacts on the economy such as low prices and job creation, Tesco also faces negative consequences. This includes intense competition with other supermarkets resulting in excessive spending and disruption during store expansions. Additionally, there are concerns about customer choice and care.

In my analysis, it is evident that Tesco prioritizes financial aspects over customer satisfaction. As long as there is a steady flow of money coming in, Tesco remains content. This perspective lacks a positive approach towards their own business and neglects the needs and desires of their customers. To summarize, Tesco's focus primarily revolves around monetary gains and the constant growth and

profitability of their business. With their considerable influence and belief in their dominance, Tesco may eventually face an end to their reign if they do not make wise decisions. After witnessing the documentary on Tesco, I believe many people, including myself, will be shocked and deterred from continuing to shop there. Instead, they will be compelled to seek alternative options.

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