Tesco PLC is a British multinational retailer primarily engaged in the operation of grocery stores, hypermarkets and convenience outlets. The company offers a wide array of food and non-food products, including fresh produce, household goods, electronics and clothing. Beyond its core retail operations, Tesco provides financial services through Tesco Bank, and mobile telecommunications via its Tesco Mobile brand, catering to both consumer and small-business markets.
Established in 1919 by Jack Cohen as a market stall operation in East London, Tesco has since evolved into one of the world’s leading retailers. The company pioneered loyalty programmes in the UK with its Clubcard, which remains central to its customer-engagement strategy. Over the decades, Tesco expanded through both organic growth and acquisitions, adapting its store formats to encompass large hypermarkets, supermarket chains and a growing online grocery platform.
Tesco’s operations span the United Kingdom and Ireland, where it holds a significant market share, as well as several international markets across Central Europe. In recent years, the company has streamlined its portfolio, focusing on core geographies and leveraging its digital capabilities to enhance supply-chain efficiency and customer experience. Its e-commerce channel has become a key growth driver, supported by dedicated distribution centres and home-delivery services.
Leadership at Tesco is headed by Chief Executive Officer Ken Murphy, who assumed the role in late 2020, supported by an executive team overseeing retail, finance and technology functions. Under this leadership, Tesco has prioritized sustainability initiatives, aiming to reduce food waste and carbon emissions, while maintaining a strong community focus through charitable partnerships and local employment opportunities.
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