What is Tesco?
Tesco is the largest supermarket chain in the United Kingdom, selling groceries, clothing, electronics and household goods. It was founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen, who sold surplus groceries from a market stall in London's East End.
The name Tesco comes from the initials of T.E. Stockwell, a tea supplier, and the first two letters of Cohen's surname. The first Tesco store opened in 1931 in Burnt Oak, Edgware.
Tesco grew rapidly in the second half of the 1900s, opening supermarkets and later large hypermarkets.
Every little helps
Tesco's slogan, Every little helps, has been used since the 1990s. Its Clubcard loyalty scheme, introduced in 1995, is one of the largest in the world.
Tesco operates different store formats, including Tesco Extra, Tesco Superstore, Tesco Metro and Tesco Express.
The company also operates in Ireland and Central Europe. It has a large share of the UK grocery market.
Tesco is one of the largest private employers in the UK and has a strong online grocery delivery business. Its headquarters are in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire.