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{{Infobox company
|company_name = Tesco plc
|company_logo = [[Image:Tescologo.svg|200px|]]
|company_type = [[Public limited company]]<br />({{lse|TSCO}})
|foundation = {{Start date|1919}} in [[East End of London|East London]]
|founder = [[Jack Cohen (Tesco)|Jack Cohen]]
|slogan = "Every little helps"
|location = [[Cheshunt]], [[United Kingdom]]
|key_people = {{Unbulleted list| [[David Edward Reid|David Reid]] ([[Chairman]]) | [[Terry Leahy|Sir Terry Leahy]] ([[Chief Executive]]) }}
|industry = [[Retail]]
|products = Groceries, [[consumer goods]], financial services, telecoms
|revenue = {{increase}}[[Pound sterling|£]]62.54 billion (February 2010)<ref name=results>
[http://imarketnews.com/node/12078]</ref>
|operating_income = {{increase}}[[Pound sterling|£]]3.41 billion (February 2010)<ref name=results/>
|market capitalisation = £21.8 bn (May 2009)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fool.digitallook.com |title=Investing Channel - Digital Look |publisher=Fool.digitallook.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref>
|num_employees = 440,000 (2008)<ref name="Annual Report 2008">[http://www.tescoreports.com/downloads/tesco_report_final.pdf Tesco: Annual Report 2008]</ref>
|locations=4,811 (Feb 2010) <ref name="tescoplc.com">http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/ir/pres_results/analyst_packs/ap2010/prelim10/prelim10.pdf</ref>
|homepage= {{Url|www.tesco.com}}
}}
[[File:Tesco Kingston Park.jpg|thumb|Tesco store at [[Kingston Park]], [[Newcastle upon Tyne]]]]
'''Tesco plc''' ({{lse|TSCO}}) is a global grocery and general merchandising retailer headquartered in [[Cheshunt]], [[United Kingdom]].<ref>"[http://www.tesco.com/termsandconditions/termsconditionsGeneral.htm Tesco.com Terms & Conditions]." Tesco. Retrieved on 20 June 2010. "The Tesco.com Site is owned and operated by Tesco Stores Limited a company registered in England and Wales whose registered office is at Tesco House, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, EN8 9SL."</ref> It is the third-largest retailer in the world measured by revenues (after [[Wal-Mart]] and [[Carrefour]]) and the second-largest measured by profits (after Wal-Mart).<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom-Australia/Local%20Assets/Documents/news-research/Press%20releases/Global%20Powers%20of%20Retailing/Global_Powers_of_Retailing_2010_report.pdf| title = Global Powers of Retailing 2010| publisher = Deloitte| accessdate = 18 August 2010}}</ref> It has stores in 14 countries across [[Asia]], [[Europe]] and [[North America]] and is the grocery market leader in the UK (where it has a market share of around 30%), [[Malaysia]] and [[Thailand]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/about_us/strategy/international/ |title=International| accessdate=1 September 2010|publisher=Tesco plc}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/about_us/map/ |title=Interactive map| accessdate=1 September 2010|publisher=Tesco plc}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/feb/02/tesco-carbon-neutral-green-building |title=Tesco opens its first zero carbon store|accessdate=1 September 2010|publisher=The Guardian| date=2 February 2010 | location=London | first=Julia | last=Finch}}</ref>
The chain was founded by [[Jack Cohen (Tesco)|Jack Cohen]] in 1919. The brand first appeared after Cohen bought a shipment of [[tea]] from ''T.E. Stockwell'' and he used those initials and added the first two letters of his own surname. The first Tesco store was opened in 1929 in [[Burnt Oak]], [[Edgware]], Middlesex. Originally a UK-focused retailer specialising in food and drink, it has [[Diversification (strategy)|diversified]] both geographically and by product, into areas such as clothing, electronics, [[financial services]], [[telecoms]], home, health, car and dental [[insurance]], retailing and renting [[DVDs]],<ref name="Tesco DVD Rental">{{cite web| url=http://www.tescodvdrental.com/visitor/home.html| publisher=Tesco| title=Tesco DVD Rental|accessdate = 2006-07-27}}</ref> [[compact discs|CDs]], [[music downloads]], [[Internet]] services and [[software]].
It is listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]] and is a constituent of the [[FTSE 100 Index]].
==History==
===Formation===
Jack Cohen founded Tesco in 1919 when he began to sell surplus groceries from a stall at Well Street Market, Hackney, in the East End of London (ironically, the market is now much smaller than in those days; a large Tesco Metro store now sits on the site.)<ref name="Tescohistsite"/> The Tesco brand first appeared in 1924. The name came about after Jack Cohen bought a shipment of tea from ''T.E. Stockwell''. He made new labels using the first three letters of the supplier's name (TES), and the first two letters of his surname (CO), forming the word TESCO.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.tescocorporate.com/plc/about_us/tesco_story| title = Our history| accessdate = 2006-11-10| publisher = Tesco plc| quote = The name comes from the initials of TE Stockwell, who was a partner in the firm of tea suppliers, and CO from Jack's surname}}</ref>
The first Tesco store was opened in 1929 in [[Burnt Oak]], [[Edgware]], Middlesex. Tesco was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1947 as '''Tesco Stores (Holdings) Limited'''.<ref name="Tescohistsite"/> The first self-service store opened in [[St Albans]] in 1956 (which remained operational until 2010, with a period as a Tesco Metro),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corporatewatch.org.uk/?lid=252|title=Tesco Plc: Overview|accessdate=2007-08-17}}</ref> and the first supermarket in [[Maldon, Essex|Maldon]] in 1956.<ref name="Tescohistsite">{{cite web| url = http://www.tescocorporate.com/plc/about_us/tesco_story| title = Tesco: Our History| accessdate = 2007-03-27| work = www.tescocorporate.com| publisher = Tesco plc}}</ref>
During the 1950s and the 1960s Tesco grew organically, and also through acquisitions, until it owned more than 800 stores. The company purchased 70 ''Williamsons'' stores (1957), 200 ''Harrow Stores'' outlets (1959), 212 ''Irwins'' stores (1960, beating [[Express Dairies]] [[Premier Supermarkets]] to the deal), 97 ''Charles Phillips'' stores (1964) and the [[Victor Value]] chain (1968) (sold to [[Bejam]] in 1986).<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.icmr.icfai.org/casestudies/catalogue/Business%20Strategy3/BSTA085.htm| title = TESCO in 2003| accessdate = 2007-03-27|publisher=ICFAI}}</ref>
Originally specialising in food and drink, it has [[Diversification (strategy)|diversified]] into areas such as clothing, electronics, [[financial services]], [[telecoms]], home, health, car, dental and pet [[insurance]], retailing and renting [[DVDs]],<ref name="Tesco DVD Rental"/> [[compact discs|CDs]], [[music downloads]], [[Internet]] services and [[software]].
===YCDBSOYA===
Jack Cohen's business motto was "pile it high and sell it cheap",<ref name="YCDBSOYA_1">{{cite news| url = http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/shirley-porter-rich-flashy-and-corrupt-with-it-shes-nothing-like-a-dame-620265.html
| title = Shirley Porter: Rich, flashy and corrupt with it. She's nothing like a Dame| accessdate = 2009-12-13 | location=London | first=Sean | last=O'Grady | date=16 December 2001 | work=The Independent}}</ref> although this was quickly replaced with the saying "You Can't Do Business Sitting On Your Arse".<ref name="YCDBSOYA_1"/> He was known to distribute items bearing the acronym "YCDBSOYA" to his sales force.<ref name="YCDBSOYA_2">{{cite web| url = http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/25532/Tesco-kills-off-Well-St-market.html| title = TESCO kills of Well St Market| accessdate = 2009-12-13}}</ref>
===1980s===
In May 1987 Tesco completed its [[hostile takeover]] of the [[Hillards]] chain of 40 supermarkets in the North of England for £220 million.<ref>{{cite news| first = Margareta| last = Pagano| title = Shocked Hillards attacks greed of Prudential: Hartley disgusted with institutions after Tesco wins takeover battle| work = The Guardian| publisher = the sun|date=1987-05-16| accessdate = 2007-03-27}}</ref>
===1990s===
In 1994 the company took over the supermarket chain [[William Low]], successfully fighting off [[Sainsbury's]] for control of the [[Dundee]]-based firm which operated 57 stores. This paved the way for Tesco to expand its presence in Scotland, which was weaker than in England. In 2006 [[Inverness]] was branded as "Tescotown",<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4618972.stm|publisher=BBC|title=Tesco accused of 'near monopoly'|date=17 January 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.tescotown.co.uk/| title = Inverness: Tescotown| accessdate = 2006-03-13}}</ref> because well over 50p in every £1 spent on food is believed to be spent in its three Tesco stores.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,6903,1676049,00.html|author=Lorna Martin|publisher=The Observer|title=The supermarket that ate a town|date=2006-01-01}}</ref>
Tesco introduced a [[loyalty card]], branded '[[Clubcard]]', in 1995 and later an Internet shopping service. As of November 2006 Tesco was the only food retailer to make online shopping profitable.<ref>{{cite news| first = Gaelle| last = Walker| title = Online failing todeliver| work = The Grocer| publisher = William Reed Publications| page = 6|date=2006-11-11| accessdate = 2007-01-27}}</ref> In 1996 the typeface of the logo was changed to the current version with stripe reflections underneath. [[Terry Leahy]] assumed the role of Chief Executive on 21 February 1997, the appointment having been announced on 21 November 1995.<ref>{{cite news| title = Business as usual for Sir Terry after 10 years in charge| work = Birmingham Post| publisher = Midland Independent Newspapers| page = 24|date=2007-02-22| accessdate = 2007-03-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| first = Neil| last = Buckley| title = People: Leahy rings Tesco's tills| work = Financial Times| publisher = The Financial Times| page = 40|date=1995-11-22| accessdate = 2007-03-30}}</ref>
On 21 March 1997 Tesco announced the purchase of the retail arm of [[Associated British Foods]] which consisted of the [[Quinnsworth]], [[Stewarts Supermarkets|Stewarts]] and [[Crazy Prices]] chains in the [[Republic of Ireland]] and [[Northern Ireland]], plus associated businesses, for £640 million.<ref>{{cite news| first = Sarah| last = Cunningham| title = Tesco pays £630m for ABF's Irish business| work = The Times| publisher = Times Newspapers|date=1997-03-22| accessdate = 2007-03-30}}</ref> The deal was approved by the European Commission on 6 May 1997.<ref>{{cite news| title = Tesco's Irish move approved| work = Financial Times| publisher = The Financial Times|date=1997-05-07| accessdate = 2007-03-30}}</ref> This acquisition gave it both a major presence in (and marked a return to) the Republic of Ireland and a larger presence in Northern Ireland than Sainsbury's, which had begun its move into the province in 1995.
In 1997 Tesco and [[Esso]] (part of [[Exxonmobil]]) forged a business alliance that included several petrol filling stations on lease from Esso, with Tesco operating the attached stores under the Express format. In turn Esso would operate the forecourts and sell their fuel via the Tesco store. Ten years later over 600 Tesco/Esso stores can now be found across the UK.
===2000s===
In July 2001 Tesco became involved in Internet grocery retailing in the USA when it obtained a 35% stake in GroceryWorks.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HWW/is_27_4/ai_76964759|title= Tesco buys stake in GroceryWorks | first=Miguel | last=Helft | year=2001 | work=The Industry Standard}}</ref> In 2002 Tesco purchased 13 HIT hypermarkets in Poland. It also made a major move into the UK convenience store market with its purchase of T & S Stores, owner of 870 convenience stores in the [[One Stop (Tesco)|One Stop]], Dillons and Day & Nite chains in the UK.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0DQA/is_2002_Nov_7/ai_94447960|title=Convenience boost for Tesco - Tesco PLC acquires One Stop, Day and Nite convenience stores from T. and S. Stores PLC|publisher=Eurofood|date=7 November 2002}}</ref>
In October 2003 the company launched a UK telecoms division, comprising mobile and home phone services, to complement its existing [[Internet service provider]] business. In June 2003 Tesco purchased the C Two-Network in Japan.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/2977358.stm|title=Tesco buys Japanese retailer|publisher=BBC News
|date=10 June 2003}}</ref> It also acquired a majority stake in [[Turkey|Turkish]] supermarket chain [[Kipa (supermarket)|Kipa]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-2925842/Turkey-close-World-News-Tesco.html|title= Tesco to buy controlling stake in Kipa}}</ref> In January 2004 Tesco acquired Adminstore, owner of 45 Cullens, Europa, and Harts convenience stores, in and around London.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3419635.stm|title=Tesco snaps up Cullens and Europa|publisher=BBC News|date=22 January 2004}}</ref> In August 2004, it also launched a [[broadband]] service. In [[Thailand]] Tesco Lotus was a joint venture of the [[Charoen Pokphand]] Group and Tesco, but facing criticism over the growth of [[hypermarket]]s CP Group sold its Tesco Lotus shares in 2003. In late 2005 Tesco acquired the 21 remaining [[Safeway (UK)|Safeway]]/[[BP]] stores after [[Morrisons]] dissolved the Safeway/BP partnership.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2005/sep/26/supermarkets.tesco|title= Tesco buys 21 Morrisons Petrol Filling Stations | location=London | date=26 September 2005 | work=The Guardian | first=Mark | last=Tran}}</ref> In mid 2006 Tesco purchased an 80% stake in Casino's Leader Price supermarkets in Poland. They will be rebranded into small Tesco stores.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/business/business-local/2006/07/10/tesco-in-poland-bid-64375-17354058/|title= Tesco in Poland Bid}}</ref>
On 14 July 2007, fourteen Tesco stores across the UK were temporarily closed after a 'bomb scare' and a criminal investigation launched after threats were made.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6899218.stm |title=UK| Tesco stores shut after threats |publisher=BBC News |date=2007-07-14 |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> A 'suspect device' was found in one store on 16 July 2007 causing the store and surrounding area to be sealed off while the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit disposed of the package.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/6900729.stm|title= Suspect package blown up at Tesco|publisher=BBC News|date=16 July 2007}}</ref>
In 2007, Tesco took part in a joint venture with [[Telefónica Europe|O2]] to form the Tesco Mobile [[mobile virtual network operator]] in Ireland.
In 2007 Tesco was placed under investigation by the UK [[Office of Fair Trading]] (OFT) for acting as part of a [[cartel]] of five supermarkets (Safeway, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsburys) and a number of dairy companies to fix the price of milk, butter and cheese. In December 2007 Asda, Sainsburys and the former Safeway admitted that they acted covertly against the interests of consumers while publicly claiming that they were supporting 5,000 farmers recovering from the [[foot-and-mouth]] crisis. They were fined a total of £116 million. Tesco, which maintains that it was not a part of the cartel, is still under investigation by the OFT.
A two-part television ad campaign celebrating Christmas with the [[Spice Girls]] aired in 2007. They were reportedly paid £5 million (US$10 million).
In April 2009, Tesco announced that it had created a super tomato that "doesn't leak". The tomato is grown in Holland and is meant to be a better tomato for sandwiches since, being less juicy, they will not make sandwiches as soggy as regular tomatoes do.<ref>{{cite news |title=Is the non-leak tomato a sandwich saviour? |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2009/apr/29/non-leak-tomato-taste-test |work=Guardian.co.uk |date=29 April 2009 | location=London | first=Susan | last=Smillie}}</ref>
===2010s===
In April 2010,Tesco bagged the deal to be the official England sponsor for the duration of the World Cup. Financial terms of the deal have not yet been revealed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/economy/2010/04/world-cup-supermarket-official|title=Tesco to be official England supermarket for the World Cup|date=7 April 2010|accessdate=8 April 2010}}</ref>
==Corporate strategy==
[[File:Tesco - Potters Bar - geograph.org.uk - 239291.jpg|left|thumb|[[Potters Bar]] Tesco]]
According to [[Citigroup]] retail analyst David McCarthy, "[Tesco has] pulled off a trick that I'm not aware of any other retailer achieving. That is to appeal to all segments of the market".<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4605115.stm|author=Hannah Liptrot|publisher=BBC|title=Tesco: Supermarket superpower|date=2005-06-03}}</ref> One plank of this strategy has been Tesco's use of its own-brand products,<ref>[http://news.idealo.co.uk/news/4521/tescos-still-pushing-discount-products-to-fight-back-competitors.html Tesco’s still pushing discount products to fight back competitors] Household & Leisure, 15 January 2009</ref> including the upmarket "Finest", mid-range Tesco brand and low-price "Value" encompassing several product categories such as food, beverage, home, clothing, Tesco Mobile and financial services.
Beginning in 1997 when Terry Leahy took over as CEO, Tesco began marketing itself using the phrase "The Tesco Way" to describe the company's core purposes, values, principles, and goals<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://www.icmrindia.org/casestudies/catalogue/Business%20Strategy/Tesco's%20'Steering%20Wheel'%20Strategy.htm|publisher=ICMR|title= Tesco's 'Steering Wheel' Strategy|year=2005}}</ref> This phrase became the standard marketing speak for Tesco as it expanded domestically and internationally under Leahy's leadership, implying a shift by the company to focus on people, both customers and employees.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.tesco-graduates.com/home/programmes/office/personnel|title= Human Resources - Tesco Careers<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref>
A core part of the Tesco expansion strategy <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cio.co.uk/cio100/tesco/1699/ |title=Tesco - CIO 100 Company - CIO UK Magazine |publisher=Cio.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> has been its innovative use of technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cio.co.uk/article/583/tesco-storm-the-us-with-box-offering/?otc=44 |title=Tesco storm the US with Box offering - In-Depth - CIO UK Magazine |publisher=Cio.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> It was one of the first to build self-service till and use cameras to reduce queues.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cio.co.uk/news/3204/technology-helps-tesco-beat-crunch/?otc=44 |title=Technology helps Tesco beat crunch |publisher=Cio.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref>
In order to protect its brand image, and given its expansion plans in Thailand, Tesco has recently been employing a policy of launching defamation proceedings. In November 2007, Tesco sued a Thai academic and a former minister for civil [[libel]] and [[criminal]] defamation. Tesco is insisting that the two pay £1.6 million and £16.4 million plus two years' imprisonment respectively. They have been alleged to have misstated that Tesco's Thai market amounts to 37% of its global revenues, amongst criticism of Tesco's propensity to put small retailers out of business.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ian MacKinnon and David Leigh|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/apr/08/tesco.supermarkets|title=Tesco sues critic of its expansion in Thailand for £16.4m damages|publisher=The Guardian|date=2008-04-08 | location=London}}</ref>
Tesco's main advertising slogan is "Every little helps". Its advertisements in print and on television mainly consist of product shots (or an appropriate image, such as a car when advertising petrol) against a white background, with a price or appropriate text (e.g., "Tesco Value") superimposed on a red circle. On television, voiceovers are provided by recognisable actors and presenters, such as [[Barbara Windsor]], [[James Nesbitt]], [[Jane Horrocks]], [[Terry Wogan]], [[Dawn French]], [[Ray Winstone]], [[Neil Morrissey]], [[Martin Clunes]], [[David Jason]], [[David Tennant]] and [[Kathy Burke]] among others.
==Corporate tax structure==
In May 2007, it was revealed that Tesco had moved the head office of its online operations to the [[tax haven]] of Switzerland. This allows it to sell CDs, DVDs and electronic games through its web site without charging [[VAT]].<ref name="mail">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/consumer/caring/article.html?in_article_id=420259&in_page_id=511|publisher=Mail on Sunday|author=Andrew Foxwell and Lauren Mills|date=2007-05-13|title='Green' Tesco's Swiss tax dodge}}</ref> The operation had previously been run out of the tax haven of [[Jersey]], but had been closed by authorities who feared damage to the Island's reputation.<ref name="mail"/>
In June 2008, the government announced that it was closing a tax loophole being used by Tesco.<ref name="leigh">{{cite news|publisher=The Guardian|date=2008-06-14|author=David Leigh|title=Government outlaws tax avoidance schemes|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/jun/14/taxavoidance.tesco | location=London}}</ref> The scheme, identified by British magazine ''[[Private Eye]]'', utilises offshore [[holding companies]] in [[Luxembourg]] and partnership agreements to avoid a corporation tax liability of up to £50 million a year.<ref name="leigh"/> Another scheme previously identified by Private Eye involved depositing £1 billion in a Swiss partnership, and then loaning out that money to overseas Tesco stores, so that profit can be transferred indirectly through interest payments. This scheme is still in operation and is estimated to be costing the UK exchequer up to £20 million a year in corporation tax.<ref name="leigh"/> Tax expert Richard Murphy has provided an analysis of this avoidance structure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2008/06/01/tescos-the-zug-deal-is-tax-avoidance/|author=Richard Murphy|title=Tescos: the Zug deal is tax avoidance|date=2008-06-01}}</ref>
===Legal action against the Guardian newspaper===
In February 2008 a six month investigation by ''[[The Guardian]]'' claimed that Tesco had developed a complex taxation structure involving [[offshore bank]] accounts in the tax haven of the [[Cayman Islands]].<ref>{{cite news|publisher=The Guardian|date=2008-02-27|title=Tesco's £1bn tax avoiding plan - move to the Cayman Islands (legal action/article removed from Guardian web site)|authors=Ian Griffiths and Felicity Lawrence|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/feb/27/tesco.supermarkets|archiveurl=http://www.tiscali.co.uk/money/guardian/news/2008/02/27/tescos-1631bn-tax-avoiding-plan-move-to-t.html|archivedate=2008-02-27 | location=London}}</ref> Tesco was in the process of selling its UK stores, worth an estimated £6 billion, to Cayman Island based companies set up by Tesco. These companies then lease the stores back to Tesco. At the time, ''The Guardian'' claimed that this arrangement would enable Tesco to avoid an estimated £1 billion tax on profits from the property sales, and also to avoid paying any tax on continuing operation of the stores, as the rate of corporation tax in the Cayman Islands is zero. Tesco defended its tax arrangements, saying it had a legal duty to its [[shareholders]] to organise its affairs in a tax-efficient manner and pointing out that the company already pays significant amounts of tax, including VAT, [[excise duty]] and [[fuel duty]] on behalf of its customers, [[PAYE]] and [[national insurance contributions]] on behalf of its employees and [[corporation tax]] on its [[profit (accounting)|profits]].
Following these revelations, several MPs called for an inquiry into Tesco's [[tax avoidance and tax evasion|tax avoidance]] schemes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/feb/28/tesco.supermarkets?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront|date=2008-02-28|author=Patrick Wintour|publisher=The Guardian|title=(legal action/article removed from Guardian web site) | location=London}}</ref>
Tesco issued a [[writ]] for libel against ''the Guardian'' five weeks later. Tesco denied that it had avoided paying £1 billion corporation tax but for legal reasons refused to answer further questions or to clarify the purpose of the tax structure they had created. Further investigations by ''The Guardian'' discovered that the tax structures were aimed at avoiding [[Stamp Duty Land Tax]], and not corporation tax as originally thought. SDLT is leveled at 4%, and corporate tax at around 30%, so the figure of £1 billion tax avoided by Tesco has been revised to an estimated £90-£100 million.<ref name="tax">{{cite news|publisher=The Guardian|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/may/03/tesco.medialaw|title=Tesco and tax: a complex web of companies, trusts and partnerships|date=2008-05-03 | location=London}}</ref> According to ''the Guardian'', "Tesco has been involved in a game of cat and mouse with HM Revenue & Customs since 2003. On three occasions when the government has closed a loophole to prevent avoidance, Tesco has taken advantage of ingenious schemes to get around it. Tesco still has 36 stores wrapped up in UK limited partnerships - with Cayman Islands registered partners - which were established in 2006 before the latest loophole was closed."<ref name="tax"/>
In September 2008, Tesco dropped the legal action after ''The Guardian'' apologised for its story, acknowledging "These damaging allegations were unfounded and should not have been published. All profits generated by this sale and leaseback arrangement were earned by UK tax-resident companies and have been or will be included in Tesco's UK tax returns. The use of Cayman Island companies in the scheme was for legitimate stamp duty savings purposes."<ref name="apology">{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2008/sep/16/corrections|date=2008-09-16|title=Corrections and clarifications - Tesco - an apology|publisher=The Guardian | location=London}}</ref> Costs were paid by the newspaper with undisclosed damages being paid to charity.<ref name="apology"/>
''The Guardian'''s parent company, [[Guardian Media Group]], used a similar offshore arrangement to avoid tax during its takeover of [[Emap]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brandrepublic.com/News/846169/Guardian-apologises-pays-damages-settle-Tesco-tax-case/|title=Guardian apologises and pays damages to settle Tesco tax case|author=Daniel Farey-Jones|date=2008-09-16|publisher=Brand Republic}}</ref>
==Corporate social responsibility==
Tesco has made a commitment to [[corporate social responsibility]], in the form of contributions of 1.87% in 2006 of its pre-tax profits to charities/local community organisations.<ref name=GiveList06>{{cite news| url=http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-files/Society/documents/2006/11/08/ftse100.pdf| title = PDF of The 2006 Giving List| publisher = The Guardian| accessdate = 2007-03-18|format=PDF | location=London}}</ref> This compares favourably with [[Marks & Spencer]]'s 1.51% but not well with Sainsbury's 7.02%.{{cite news|url=http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/news/Article/615827/ftse-100-companies-reduce-charity-giving/}} [[Will Hutton]], in his role as chief executive of The Work Foundation recently praised Tesco for leading the debate on corporate responsibility.<ref name=WorkFoundtesco>{{cite web| url=http://www.theworkfoundation.com/aboutus/media/pressreleases/tescocorporatesocialresponsibility.aspx| title = The Work Foundation praises Tesco| publisher = The Work Foundation| accessdate = 2007-03-18 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071005054452/http://www.theworkfoundation.com/aboutus/media/pressreleases/tescocorporatesocialresponsibility.aspx <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 5 October 2007}}</ref> However ''[[Intelligent Giving]]'' has criticised the company for directing all "staff giving" support to the company's Charity of the Year.<ref name=IGtesco>{{cite web| url=http://www.intelligentgiving.com/articles/features/get_the_boss_to_help_your_charity| title = Intelligent Giving criticises Tesco's staff giving policies| publisher = Intelligent Giving| accessdate = 2007-03-18}}</ref>
[[File:Tesco's store Evesham - geograph.org.uk - 5736.jpg|thumb|Tesco in [[Evesham]]]]
In 1992, Tesco started a "computers for schools scheme", offering computers in return for schools and hospitals getting vouchers from people who shopped at Tesco. Until 2004, £92 million of equipment went to these organisations. The scheme has been also implemented in Poland.<ref name=CFStesco>{{cite web| url = http://www.bitc.org.uk/resources/case_studies/crmtescocfs.html| title = BITC - Tesco Computers for Schools| accessdate = 2006-01-19 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20051104084131/http://www.bitc.org.uk/resources/case_studies/crmtescocfs.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 4 November 2005}}</ref>
Starting during the 2005/2006 [[association football|football]] season, the company now sponsors the [[Tesco Cup]], a football competition for young players throughout the UK. The cup now runs a boy's competition at Under 13 level and two girl's cups at Under 14 level and Under 16 level. Over 40,000 boys alone took part in the 2007/08 competitions.
In 2009 Tesco used “Change for Good” as advertising, which is trade marked by [[Unicef]] for charity usage but is not trademarked for commercial or retail use which prompted the agency to say "it is the first time in Unicef’s history that a commercial entity has purposely set out to capitalise on one of our campaigns and subsequently damage an income stream which several of our programmes for children are dependent on”.They went on to call on the public “who have children’s welfare at heart, to consider carefully who they support when making consumer choices”.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0725/1224251305112.html | title = Unicef accuses Tesco of misusing charity slogan | work = [[The Irish Times]] | date =25 July 2009 | first = Marie | last = O'Halloran}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/tesco-in-clash-with-unicef-1841427.html | title = Tesco in clash with Unicef | work = [[Independent.ie]] | first = Louise | last = McBride | date = 26 July 2009}}</ref>
==Advertising==
Tesco have used many Television adverts over the years. In July 2007 a DVD containing adverts from 1977-2007 was given to all members of staff. Early advertising stressed cheap prices and how to keep "The cost of living in check." In 1977 an advert was made where a till would show the prices to many items such as "baked beans 12<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub>p".
Tesco's most famous advert was "Checkout 82" which was made in 1982. where a till would have a receipt coming out of it with the prices on. This advert had synth pop music as the backing and people singing "Check it out, check it out"
Adverts in the late 90s had [[Prunella Scales]] as Dotty Turnbull, arguing about Tesco prices. In 2003, adverts showed items and shopping trolleys talking about Tesco. Late 2000s adverts have included many celebrities and celebrity voice-overs such as The Spice Girls and the voice of [[James Nesbitt]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1569317/Spice-Girls-go-shopping-at-Tesco.html |title=Spice Girls go shopping at Tesco
|accessdate=19 September 2010|publisher=The Telegraph| date=14 November 2007 | location=London | first=Bonnie | last=Malkin}}</ref>
<gallery>
File:Dotty Turnbull .png|Prunella Scales, as Dotty Turnbull arguing about Tesco prices
File:The Tesco Talking Trolleys (2003) .JPG|Tesco Talking Trolleys
</gallery><br clear=all>
==UK operations==
===Stores===
Tesco's UK stores are divided into six formats, differentiated by size and the range of products sold. These are shown below:
====Tesco Extra====
[[File:Tesco, Batley.jpg|thumb|Tesco Extra, Commercial Street, [[Batley]], [[West Yorkshire]].]]
Tesco Extra stores are larger, mainly out-of-town [[hypermarkets]] that stock nearly all of Tesco's product ranges. Exceptions include [[Stafford]] Extra [[Hexham]] Extra, [[Kingston upon Hull]] Extra, [[Stevenage]] Extra, [[Wigan]] Extra, [[Grimsby]] Extra, [[Galashiels]] Extra, [[Slough]] Extra, [[Eastbourne]] Extra, [[Yeovil]] Extra and [[Burnley]] Extra, which are in the heart of the town centre and [[Cardiff]] Western Avenue Extra, [[Cardiff]] Pengam Green Extra and [[Warrington]] Extra which are located in an inner-city location.The first Extra opened in 1997 in [[Pitsea]], [[Essex]]. The 100th store opened on 29 November 2004 in [[Stafford]], [[Staffordshire]]. The number of these is now being increased by about 20 a year, mainly by conversions from the second category. The largest store in England by floor space is Tesco Extra in [[Pitsea]], near [[Basildon]], [[Essex]], with floorspace of 11,600 m² (125,000 sq ft). In 2011, a Tesco Extra will be constructed in St.Helens adjacent to the new St.Helens RLFC Stadium. This new Tesco will be 140,000 square feet making it the largest in the UK.{{Citation needed|date=October 2010}} The largest in Scotland is the [[Port Glasgow]] store, which opened in July 2007 with a floorspace of 10,200 m² (110,000 sq ft). The largest in [[Wales]] is the Tesco Extra at [[Parc Fforestfach]], [[Swansea]], which is 112,000 sq ft (10,400 m2)constructed in 2003.
Other large stores include [[Bar Hill]] Extra, [[Cleethorpes]] Extra, [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] Extra, [[Milton Keynes]] Kingston Extra and [[Stockton-on-Tees]] Extra which are all in the 11,000 m² (120,000 sq ft) range. Newer Tesco Extra stores are usually on two floors, with the ground floor for mainly food and the first floor for clothing, electronics and [[entertainment]]. Most Tesco Extra stores have a café too and as of October 2009, all stores have a Tesco Tech Support Team (www.tescotechsupport.co.uk).
[[Tesco Ireland]] also operate a small number of Tesco Extra hypermarkets in the [[Republic of Ireland]], with [[Clarehall]] Extra on the [[R107 road|Malahide Road]] being the first to open in 2006. Tesco's largest hypermarket store in [[Europe]] is under construction in [[Naas]] in [[Co Kildare]] and will be 18,500 m² in size when completed in November 2010.
In April 2010 opened the first Tesco Extra in [[Central Europe]] in [[Bratislava]] - [[Petrzalka]], in [[Slovakia]]. This is a pilot project for Tesco in the region. By the end of the year, plans to open more stores outside Tesco Extra in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
In August 2010 opened the first Tesco Extra in [[Budapest]], [[Hungary]], Tesco Extra Fogarasi. By the end of the year, plans to open more stores in [[Poland]].
====Tesco Superstores====
Tesco superstores are standard large supermarkets, stocking groceries and a much smaller range of non-food goods than Extra stores. The stores have always previously been branded as simply 'Tesco', however a new store in Liverpool is the first to use the format brand 'Tesco Superstore' above the door.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.retail-week.com/Stores/2009/02/tesco_launches_superstore_format_at_liverpool_one_piling_pressure_on_nonfood_ri.html| publisher= Retail Week| title=First store to be branded 'Tesco Superstore'}}</ref>
====Tesco Metro====
[[Image:20040801-008-tesco.jpg|thumb|120px|Tesco Metro, [[St Albans, England]]]]
Tesco Metro stores are sized between Tesco superstores and Tesco Express stores. They are mainly located in city centres, the inner city and on the high streets of towns. The first Tesco Metro was opened in Neston in 1980. Since then all Tesco branches that have a high street format including those which opened before the Covent Garden branch have been subsequently rebranded from Tesco to Tesco Metro. The Tesco store in [[Devizes]] was the last store to finish rebranding, in September 2006. The store had not been renovated for over 20 years.
{{-}}
====Tesco Express====
[[File:TescoExpress.jpg|thumb|120px|left|Tesco Express, Hilperton Road, [[Trowbridge]], [[Wiltshire]]]]
Tesco Express stores are neighbourhood convenience shops, stocking mainly food with an emphasis on higher-margin products (due to small store size, and the necessity to maximise revenue per square foot) alongside everyday essentials. They are found in busy city centre districts, small shopping precincts in residential areas, small towns and on [[Esso]] petrol station forecourts. The 1000th Tesco Express site opened in July 2009. Tesco have now started building Tesco Express stores with only 'Assisted-Service' tills in which the customer scans all their own shopping and packs it, with the support of supervising staff when required.
{{-}}
====One Stop====
[[File:TescoOneStop.jpg|thumb|right|120px|One Stop, [[Trowbridge]], [[Wiltshire]]]]
One Stop stores are the only category which does not include the word Tesco in its name and include some of the smallest stores. They were part of the T&S Stores business but, unlike many which have been converted to Tesco Express, these kept their old name. Some have [[Tesco Personal Finance]] branded [[Automated teller machine|cash machines]].
The business has attracted some controversy, as grocery prices in these shops, often situated in less well-off areas can be higher than nearby Tesco branded stores, highlighted in [[The Times]] 22 March 2010: "Britain’s biggest supermarket uses its chain of 520 One Stop convenience stores — which many customers do not realise it owns — to charge up to 14 per cent more for goods than it does in Tesco-branded stores."
Tesco responded to the article stating "It is a separate business within the Tesco Group, with its own supply chain and distribution network. One Stop stores offer a different range to Express stores and its operating costs are different. One Stop’s price strategy is to match its nearest competitor Cost Cutter and is frequently cheaper."
{{-}}
====Tesco Homeplus====
;History
Tesco Homeplus is not Tesco's first non-food only venture in the UK. Until the late 1990s/early 2000s there were several non-food Tesco stores around the country including Scarborough and Yate. Although not in a warehouse style format, the stores were located on high streets and shopping centres, they did stock similar items to Homeplus stores. In both cases this was because in another part of the shopping centre was a Tesco Superstore which stocked food items only.
In May 2005 Tesco announced a trial non-food only format near [[Manchester]] and [[Aberdeen]],<ref>
{{cite web
|url = http://www.tescocorporate.com/page.aspx?pointerid=DEC14C7BA76D451F8D81DBC4A14DE89C
|title = Tesco announces non-food store trials
|accessdate = 2006-03-13
}}</ref> and the first store opened in October 2005:
A further 5 stores opened before it stopped being a trial, and there is now a plan to open many more stores.
;Current
Stores offer all of Tesco's ranges except food in warehouse-style units in retail parks. Tesco is using this format because only 20% of its customers have access to a Tesco Extra, and the company is restricted in how many of its superstores it can convert into Extras and how quickly it can do so. Large units for non-food retailing are much more readily available.
There are currently 12 Homeplus stores nationwide. The newest Homeplus store opened in Chester in July 2009.
;Future
2 more are due to open in the first half of '09 at sites around the country. All of these will feature the Order and Collect desk where customers can purchase and collect most items straightaway.
====Store facts====
As of 27 February 2010, at the end of its 2009/10 financial year, Tesco's UK store portfolio was as follows.<ref name="tescoplc.com"/>
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0 auto 0 auto"
|-
! Format
! Number
! Total<br />area ([[metre|m]]²)
! Total<br />area (sq [[foot (length)|ft]])
! Mean<br />area ([[metre|m]]²)
! Mean<br />area (sq [[foot (length)|ft]])
! Percentage<br />of space
! +/- Stores<br />2009/10
|-
| Tesco Extra
| 190
| 1,265,989
| 13,627,000
| 6,625
| 71,721
| 41.31%
| {{increase}} 13
|-
| Tesco Superstores
| 455
| 1,255,584
| 13,515,000
| 2,786
| 29,703
| 40.97%
| {{increase}} 7
|-
| Tesco Metro
| 181
| 192,867
| 2,076,000
| 1,081
| 11,470
| 6.29%
| {{increase}} 7
|-
| Tesco Express
| 1,130
| 236,345
| 2,544,000
| 205
| 2,251
| 7.71%
| {{increase}} 169
|-
| One Stop
| 513
| 62,430
| 62,710
| 126
| 1,316
| 2.02%
| {{increase}} 1
|-
| Tesco Homeplus
| 13
| 37,904
| 554,000
| 3,790
| 51,468
| 1.70%
| {{increase}} 3
|- style="background:#efefef;"
| '''Total'''
| '''2,482'''
| '''3,051,119'''
| '''32,991,000'''
| '''1,229'''
| '''13,292'''
| '''100%'''
| {{increase}} 200
|}
===Other businesses===
====Garden centres====
Tesco announced its intention to purchase [[Dobbies Garden Centres]] for £155.6 million on 8 June 2007. Dobbies operates 24 garden centres, half in Scotland and half in England.<ref name='dobbies'>{{cite news| first=Dearbail| last=Jordan| title=Tesco swoops on Dobbies Garden Centres|date=2007-06-08| publisher=Times Newspapers| url =http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article1902736.ece| work =The Times| accessdate = 2007-06-08 | location=London}}</ref> The deal was confirmed as successful by the board of directors of Tesco on 17 August 2007 when the board announced that they had received 53.1% of shares (or 5,410,457 shares) which confirmed conditions set out in the offer made on 20 June 2007. Although the deal had been confirmed by Tesco the offer remained open to Dobbies shareholders until 20 August 2007.<ref name='dobbiesconf'>{{cite news| title=Offer Declared Unconditional in all Respects|date=2007-08-17| publisher=Dobbies| url =http://www.dobbies.com/tescoannoucement.aspx| work = Dobbies| page = 1| accessdate = 2007-08-19| language = en}}</ref> Tesco raised its holding to 65% in September<ref>{{cite news|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7023306.stm | publisher = BBC NEWS| work = Business|title = Tesco sees UK sales growth slow | date=2 October 2007 | accessdate=6 January 2010}}</ref> and on 5 June 2008<ref name='dobbiesacq'>{{cite news| title=Compulsory acquisition of outstanding Dobbies Shares| publisher=Dobbies| url=http://www.dobbies.com/compulsoryacquisitionofoutstandingdobbiesshrs.aspx| language=en}}</ref> Tesco announced that it would be compulsorily acquiring Dobbies Garden Centres plc. Dobbies continues to trade under its own brand, from its own head office in Melville, near [[Edinburgh]].
====Banking====
{{Main|Tesco Bank}}
Tesco has a banking arm called Tesco Bank, formerly a 50:50 [[joint venture]] with the [[Royal Bank of Scotland]]. Products on offer include credit cards, loans, mortgages, savings accounts and several types of insurance, including car, home, life and travel. They are promoted by leaflets in Tesco's stores and through its website. The business made a profit of £130 million for the 52 weeks to 24 February 2007, of which Tesco's share was £66 million. This move towards the financial sector diversified the Tesco [[brand]] and provides opportunities for growth outside of the retailing sector.
On 28 July 2008 Tesco announced that they were buying out the Royal Bank of Scotland's 50% stake in the company for [[Pound sterling|£]]950 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Tesco-Pays-Royal-Bank-Of-Scotland-950m-In-New-Personal-Finance-Deal/Article/200807415058484?lpos=Business_2&lid=ARTICLE_15058484_Tesco%2BPays%2BRoyal%2BBank%2BOf%2BScotland%2B%25C2%25A3950m%2BIn%2BNew%2BPersonal%2BFinance%2BDeal|title=Tesco is taking full control of Tesco Personal Finance, after paying Royal Bank of Scotland £950 million for its 50% stake in the division.|publisher=Sky News|date=2008-07-28|accessdate=2008-07-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=A1YourView&xml=/money/2008/07/28/bcntesco228.xml|title= Tesco eyes mortgages and current accounts in plan to take on UK's high street banks|publisher=The Telegraph|date=2008-07-28|accessdate=2008-07-28 | location=London | first1=Emma | last1=Thelwell | first2=Myra | last2=Butterworth}}</ref> In October 2009 the name of Tesco Personal Finance was changed to Tesco Bank.
====Technika====
There is a brand of electronic products produced for Tesco, called [[Technika (brand)|Technika]].
====Telecoms====
Tesco operates mobile phone, home phone and broadband businesses. These are available to residential consumers in several countries and are sold via the Tesco website and through Tesco stores. Tesco has not purchased or built a telecoms network, but instead has pursued a strategy of pairing its marketing strength with the expertise of existing telecoms operators.
MOBILE: In autumn 2003, [[Tesco Mobile]] was launched as a joint venture with [[O2 plc|O2]]. In November 2009 Tesco announced over 2 million UK customers are using this service. A similar [[O2 plc|O2]] based service has since been launched in Ireland and Slovakia.
ISP: In August 2004 Tesco broadband, an [[ADSL]]-based service delivered via [[BT Group plc|BT]] phone lines, was launched in partnership with [[NTL:Telewest|NTL]]. In November 2009 Tesco announced a new partnership with [[Cable & Wireless]], and a fresh focus on this business area.
VOIP: In January 2006, Tesco Internet Phone, a Voice over Internet Protocol, [[VoIP]], service was launched in conjunction with Freshtel of Australia. This service was shut down in 2010.
PHONE SHOPS: In November 2009 Tesco announced it now has 100 Phone Shops embedded within larger [[Tesco Extra]] stores, and stated an intention to open up to 500 such shops across the UK in the medium term. In April 2010 the first Tesco Phone shop opened in Slovakia.
====Fuel====
[[File:Tesco Petrol Station, St Mellons - geograph.org.uk - 92048.jpg|right|thumb|Tesco petrol station in [[St Mellons]]]]
Tesco first started selling petrol in 1974. Tesco sells 95, 97 and 99 [[Octane rating|RON]] (a fuel developed by [[Greenergy]] of which Tesco is a shareholder) petrol on a retail basis from forecourts at most superstore and Express locations. Tesco have recently diversified into [[biofuels]], offering petrol-bioethanol and diesel-biodiesel blends instead of pure petrol and diesel at their petrol stations, and now offering Greenergy 100% biodiesel at many stores in the southeast of the United Kingdom.
On 28 February 2007 motorists in [[South East England]] reported that their cars were breaking down. This was due to petrol sold by Tesco and others being contaminated with [[silicon]],<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/transport/article2323460.ece|title= Silicon found to be rogue element in petrol|publisher= Barrie Clement, The Independent|date= 3 March 2007 | location=London}}</ref> Tesco has been criticised with claims that they had been alerted to the problem as early as 12 February 2007. On 6 March, Tesco offered to pay for any damage caused by the faulty petrol, after printing full page apologies in many national newspapers.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6421783.stm|title= Retailers offer car repair refund|publisher= BBC News|date= 6 March 2007}}</ref>
====Tech Support====
[[Image:TescoTechLogo 03.png|thumb|right|200px|Tesco Tech Support logo]]
Tesco acquired a small I.T. support company called The PC Guys in 2008, and were able to launch Tesco Tech Support in December of that year.<ref>{{cite web|title = Tesco Tech Support|accessdate = 2009-07-01|url = http://tescotechsupport.com/}}</ref> Teams of Advisors were put into all [[Tesco#Tesco Extra|Extra]] stores with the sole job role of answering technical questions on Tesco's range of electrical products. They also are responsible for advising customers on extended warranties, electrical returns and a range of payment plans on all electrical goods over a certain amount.
====Film Making====
In 2010 Tesco started funding a small film studio intended to produce Tesco exclusive direct-to-DVD films. The first film comes out on 6 September and is called ''[[Paris Connections]]''. It is based on a popular novel by Jackie Collins, and is an investigation thriller. Jackie Collins rewrote the novel to be more appropriate to the medium of film.<ref>[http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/uk-supermarket-chain-tesco-gets-into-the-filmmaking-biz/ UK supermarket chain Tesco gets into the filmmaking biz]</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8478414.stm BBC News: Tesco signs film-making joint venture]</ref><ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jan/24/tesco-film-movies-novels-adaptations The Guardian: Tesco sets up film studio to adapt hit novels]</ref>
====Record Label====
In 2010, Tesco announced that they will be forming their own record label. Notable signings to date include [[Mick Hucknall]] and [[Nadine Coyle]], whose debut solo album is to be released on November 8. The debut single, Insatiable (which is also the album title) is available to be seen on Youtube. Tesco records will be exclusive products to Tesco stores.<ref>http://music.aol.co.uk/2010/09/06/nadine-coyle-tesco-deal-album/</ref>
===Tesco Clubcard===
{{Main|Tesco Clubcard}}
Customers can collect two Clubcard points for every £1 (or one point for €1 in Ireland and Slovakia) they spend in a Tesco store, or Tesco.com, and 1 point per £1 in petrol station (not in Slovakia). Customers can also collect points by paying with a Tesco Credit Card, or by using Tesco Mobile, Tesco Homephone, Tesco Broadband, selected Tesco Personal Finance products or through Clubcard partners, [[E.ON]] and [[Avis Rent a Car System|Avis]]. Each point equates to 1p in store when redeemed or 4p when used with clubcard deals (offers for holidays, day trips, etc.). Clubcard points (UK & IE) can also be converted to [[Airmiles]]. Clubcard points are also converted into coupons which can be redeemed for extra points or cash totals.
Holders receive quarterly Clubcard statements offering discount coupons which can be spent in-store, online or on various Clubcard deals.
Tesco was cited in a Wall Street Journal article<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/wsj/access/1049173581.html?dids=1049173581:1049173581&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jun+6%2C+2006&author=Cecilie+Rohwedder&pub=Ms.+Fiala+Changes+Detergent%3B+Wall+Street+Journal&edition=Eastern+edition&startpage=A.1&type=91_1996&desc=Stores+of+Knowledge%3A+No.1+Retailer+in+Britain+Uses+%27Clubcard%27+to+Thwart+Wal-Mart
|title=Retailer in Britain Uses 'Clubcard' to Thwart Wal-Mart
|author=Cecilie Rohwedder
|date=2006-06-06
|accessdate = 2007-04-30
|work=Wall Street Journal Online
|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071001012148/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/wsj/access/1049173581.html?dids=1049173581:1049173581&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jun+6,+2006&author=Cecilie+Rohwedder&pub=Ms.+Fiala+Changes+Detergent;+Wall+Street+Journal&edition=Eastern+edition&startpage=A.1&type=91_1996&desc=Stores+of+Knowledge:+No.1+Retailer+in+Britain+Uses+'Clubcard'+to+Thwart+Wal-Mart <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 1 October 2007}}(Abstract only is online)</ref> as using the intelligence from the Clubcard to thwart Wal-Mart's initiatives in the UK.
==Internet operations==
{{Main|Tesco.com}}
Tesco operates a grocery homeshopping service, as well as providing consumer goods, telecommunications and financial services online.
In May 1984, in [[Gateshead]], England, the world's first recorded online home shopper, Mrs Jane Snowball, purchased groceries from her local Tesco store in the world's first recorded [[online shopping]] transaction from the home.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Videotex takes Gateshead Teleshopping into the home | journal = The Incorporated Engineer, Journal of the IEEIE London | month = September | year = 1984 | page = 6}}</ref>
Tesco has operated on the internet since 1994 and was the first retailer in the world to offer a robust home shopping service in 1996. Tesco.com was formally launched in 2000. It also has online operations in the Republic of Ireland and South Korea. Grocery sales are available within delivery range of selected stores, goods being hand-picked within each store, in contrast to the warehouse model followed by Ocado. In 2003, tesco.com's CEO at the time, John Browett, received the Wharton Infosys Business Transformation Award for the innovative processes he used to support this online grocery service.
On 1 October 2006, Tesco announced that it will be selling six [[own-brand]] budget software packages for under £20 each, including office and security suites, in a partnership with software firm [[Formjet]].<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5396488.stm|title= Tesco moves into software market|publisher= BBC News|date= 1 October 2006}}</ref> As Formjet is exclusive distributor for [[Panda Software]] and [[Ability Plus Software]], packages from these companies are likely to feature.
Tesco offers an internet-based DVD rental service, which is operated by [[LOVEFiLM]] and a music download service.
==International operations==
[[File:TESCO international2.png|thumb|right|300px|Countries in which Tesco operates.]]
Tesco's international expansion strategy has responded to the need to be sensitive to local expectations in other countries by entering into joint ventures with local partners, such as [[Samsung Group]] in South Korea ([[Samsung-Tesco]] [[Home plus]]), and [[Charoen Pokphand]] in [[Thailand]] ([[Tesco Lotus]]), appointing a very high proportion of local personnel to management positions. It also makes small acquisitions as part of its strategy for example, in its 2005/2006 financial year it made acquisitions in South Korea, one in Poland and one in Japan.<ref>[http://www.tescocorporate.com/images/pressrelease_final_0.pdf Tesco Preliminary Results 2006]</ref>
In late 2004 the amount of floorspace Tesco operated outside the United Kingdom surpassed the amount it had in its home market for the first time, although the United Kingdom still accounted for more than 75% of group revenue due to lower sales per unit area outside the UK.
In September 2005 Tesco announced that it was selling its operations in [[Taiwan]] to Carrefour and purchasing Carrefour's stores in the Czech Republic and [[Slovakia]]. Both companies stated that they were concentrating their efforts in countries where they had strong market positions.
The following table shows the number of stores, total store size in area and sales for Tesco's international operations. The store numbers and floor area figures are as at 27 February 2010. This information is taken from the {{PDFlink|[http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/ir/pres_results/analyst_packs/ap2010/prelim10/prelim10.pdf 2009/10 financial broker pack]|106 KB}}.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin:0 auto 0 auto"
|-
! Country
! Entered
! Stores
! Area ([[metre|m]]² (sq [[foot (length)|ft]]))
! Mean Store Area ([[metre|m]]² (sq [[foot (length)|ft]]))
! +/- Stores <br /> 2009/10
|-
| {{Flagicon|People's Republic of China}} [[People's Republic of China|China]]
| 2004
| 88
| 657,382 (7,076,000)
| 7,470 (80,409)
| {{increase}} 18
|-
| {{Flagicon|Czech Republic}} [[Czech Republic]]
| 1996
| 136
| 454,389 (4,891,000)
| 3,341 (35,963)
| {{increase}} 23
|-
| {{Flagicon|France}} [[France]]
| 1992
| 0
| 0 (0)
| 0 (0)
| {{decrease}} 1
|-
| {{Flagicon|Hungary}} [[Hungary]]
| 1994
| 176
| 614,647 (6,616,000)
| 3,492 (37,591)
| {{increase}} 27
|-
| {{Flagicon|Republic of Ireland}} [[Republic of Ireland]]
| 1997
| 119
| 281,589 (3,031,000)
| 2,366 (25,471)
| {{increase}} 3
|-
| {{Flagicon|Japan}} [[Japan]]
| 2003
| 142
| 44,315 (477,000)
| 312 (3,359)
| {{increase}} 7
|-
| {{Flagicon|Malaysia}} [[Malaysia]]
| 2002
| 35
| 260,593 (2,805,000)
| 7,446 (80,143)
| {{increase}} 3
|-
| {{Flagicon|Poland}} [[Poland]]
| 1992
| 602
| 901,697 (9,553,000)
| 3,088 (32,479)
| {{increase}} 28
|-
| {{Flagicon|Slovakia}} [[Slovakia]]
| 1996
| 81
| 292,459 (3,148,000)
| 3,611 (38,864)
| {{increase}} 11
|-
| {{Flagicon|South Korea}} [[South Korea]]
| 1999
| 305
| 1,015,152 (10,927,000)
| 3,328 (35,826)
| {{increase}} 63
|-
| {{Flagicon|Thailand}} [[Thailand]]
| 1998
| 663
| 975,389 (10,499,000)
| 1,471 (15,836)
| {{increase}} 92
|-
| {{Flagicon|Turkey}} [[Turkey]]
| 2003
| 105
| 232,165 (2,499,000)
| 2,211 (23,800)
| {{increase}} 9
|-
| {{Flagicon|UK}} [[United Kingdom]] (for comparison)
| 1919
| 2,482
| 3,051,119 (32,991,000)
| 1,229 (13,292)
| {{increase}} 200
|-
| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[United States]]
| 2007
| 145
| 135,267 (1,456,000)
| 933 (10,041)
| {{increase}} 30
|- class="sortbottom" style="background:#efefef;"
| '''Total (not including UK)'''
|
| '''2,331'''
| '''5,665,044 (60,978,000)'''
| '''Mean: 2,430 (26,160)'''
| {{increase}} 302
|- class="sortbottom" style="background:#efefef;"
| '''Total (including UK)'''
|
| '''4,813'''
| '''8,716,163 (93,969,000)'''
| '''Mean: 1,811 (19,524)'''
| {{increase}} 502
|}
====China====
Tesco entered [[China]], in September 2004, by acquiring a 50% stake in the Hymall chain, from [[Ting Hsin]] of [[Taiwan]]. In September 2005, Tesco sold its stores in Taiwan to [[Carrefour]].
In December 2006 it raised its stake to 90% in a £180 million deal.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://miranda.hemscott.com/servlet/HsPublic?context=ir.access&ir_option=RNS_NEWS&item=38141457174563&ir_client_id=622|title= TESCO Extends Partnership in China|publisher= London Stock Exchange's Regulatory News Service|date= 12 December 2006}}</ref> Most of Tesco China's stores are based around [[Shanghai]], but according to Tesco it plans to equip the business to expand more quickly and in different areas. Tesco has been increasing its own brand products into the [[Economy of the People's Republic of China|Chinese market]] as well as introducing the Tesco Express format.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article3671705.ece|title=Tescco Express rolls into China|publisher=The Times|date=21 April 2008}}</ref>
====Czech Republic====
[[File:Tesco express prague - belehradska street.jpg|right|thumb|Tesco Express, Belehradska Street, [[Prague]], Czech Republic]]
Tesco opened its first store in the Czech Republic in 1996 and now has over 84 stores, with further planned.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.tescocorporate.com/images/annual_review_and_sfs_2007_0.pdf|title=Tesco Annual Review 2007|publisher=Tesco Plc|date=21 April 2008|format=PDF}}{{Dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref> Tesco opened its first stores in the Czech Republic by buying US corporation Kmart's operations in the country and converting them into Tesco stores. Tesco is also keen to expand non-food items and has already opened petrol stations and offers personal finance services in the Czech Republic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.itesco.cz/en_cz/services|title=Tesco Services|publisher=Tesco Czech Republic|date=21 April 2008}}</ref>
====France====
Tesco previously owned a French chain called [[Catteau]] between 1992 and 1997 and operated a "Vin Plus" outlet in [[Calais]], selling wine, beer and spirits, which closed on 30 August 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10356727.stm |work= BBC News Online|title = UK firms shut French stores as 'booze cruise' declines|date= 19 June 2010 |accessdate=2010-07-17}}</ref>
====Hungary====
Tesco launched in Hungary in 1995 after purchasing [[KMart]]'s operations in the area. It also opened its first hypermarket in Hungary in the same year. Tesco operates through 101 stores in Hungary with further openings planned.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> Tesco offers its value, standard, healthy living and finest range in its stores. Tesco Hungary also offers a clothing line and personal finance services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tesco.hu/tpp-main.php?cmssessid=T62c0c8b798583512629bddae51a154bad5f2f0682cea9b6a2185c8ab4d78185|title=Tesco Services|publisher=Tesco Hungary|date=21 April 2008}}{{Dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref> In August 2010 opened the first Tesco Extra in [[Budapest]]; its name is Tesco Extra Fogarasi and it is located in Zugló, Budapest.
====Ireland====
{{Main|Tesco Ireland}}
Tesco operated in the Irish grocery market in the early eighties, however sold its operations there in March 1986.<ref>{{cite news|title= Tesco withdraws from Ireland|work=The Guardian|publisher=Guardian Newspapers|date=1986-03-27|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref>
Tesco re-entered the Irish market in 1997 after the purchase of Power Supermarkets Ltd. It now operates from 101 stores across Ireland. Like Tesco stores in the UK, these offer a home delivery shopping service available to 80% of the Irish population as well as petrol, mobile telephone, personal finance, flower delivery service and a weight-loss programme.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tesco.ie/online-shopping-ireland.html|title=Food and Grocery Shopping, Tesco Ireland|publisher=Tesco Ireland|date=21 April 2008}}</ref> Also available is Tesco's loyalty programme, the Clubcard.
Tesco is now the grocery market leader in the Republic of Ireland, with a reported November 2005 share of 26.3%.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/1206/supermarkets-business.html|title=Tesco still commanding highest market share|publisher=RTÉ Business|date=6 December 2006}}</ref> Tesco Ireland also claims to be the largest purchaser of Irish food with an estimated €1.5 billion annually.The biggest Tesco store in Ireland opened on November 1st. It is located in Monread Road,Naas.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://www.tesco.ie/corporate_info/abouttesco.htm|title=About Tesco Ireland|publisher=Tesco Ireland}}</ref>
====Isle of Man====
Tesco has a large purpose built store and car park in [[Douglas, Isle of Man|Douglas]] on the [[Isle of Man]], behind the harbour in Douglas.
There are plans to rebuild the store to almost double the floor space, including a mezzanine level and to replace the open car parking area with a 2 storey car park. Tesco also runs a home delivery service across the island.
====Japan====
Tesco Japan first began operations in 2003. It was brought about by a buy-out of C Two stores for £139 million in July 2003 and later Fre'c in April 2004.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2004/jun/01/japan.supermarkets|title=Tesco pedals cautious path in Japan|publisher=The Guardian|date= 1 June 2004}}</ref> Tesco has adopted an approach which focuses on small corner shops operating similarly to its Express format rather than opening hypermarkets. It has also launched its range of software in Japan.<ref name="autogenerated1" />
====Malaysia====
[[Image:Bukit-tinggi-klang-tesco.gif|thumb|A Tesco outlet in [[Bandar Bukit Tinggi]], [[Klang]], [[Selangor]], [[Malaysia]].]]
Tesco opened its first store in [[Malaysia]] in May 2002 with the opening of its first hypermarket in [[Puchong]], [[Selangor]]. Tesco Malaysia currently operates 34 Tesco and Tesco Extra stores. Total store by state in Malaysia is [[Selangor]] with 11 store, [[Kuala Lumpur]] 4 store, [[Perak]] and [[Johor]] 5 store, [[Penang]] and [[Kedah]] 3 store, [[Melaka]] 2 store, [[Negeri Sembilan]] and [[Kelantan]] 1 store. Tesco partnered with local conglomerate [[Sime Darby|Sime Darby Berhad]] which holds 30% of the shares.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tesco.com.my/article.cfm?id=33|title=Corporate information, Tesco Malaysia|publisher=Tesco Stores (Malaysia)Sdn Bhd|date=21 April 2008}}{{Dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref> Tesco also acquired the Malaysian operation of the wholesaler [[Makro]], which was rebranded Tesco Extra and provides products for local retailers. Tesco Malaysia offers a value range, own branded range, electronic goods, the loyalty clubcard and clothing. Tesco Malaysia's clubcard introduced Green ClubCard Points in 2007 making Tesco Malaysia to be the first Tesco international business to introduce the scheme (Green ClubCard Points).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/about_us/map/ |title=Tesco: Interactive map |publisher=Tescoplc.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref>
====Pakistan====
Tesco, along with delegates from other supermarkets and retailers recently held talks with a Pakistani trade ambassador at an invites only meeting in Manchester.<ref>[http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1105421_boosting_trade_with_pakistan Boosting trade with Pakistan] Manchester Evening News, 30 March 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1102730_trade_tsar_on_nw_mission Trade tsar on NW mission] Manchester Evening News, 17 March 2009</ref> The company announced plans to open stores in wealthy suburbs of the capital city Islamabad and the second city Karachi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tescopakistan.com/ |title=Tesco Pakistan |publisher=Tesco Pakistan |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> These new stores will be wholesale cash-and-carry businesses. They will compete with [[Makro]] and [[Carrefour]] who already operate in Pakistan and have done so for many years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.makropakistan.com/ |title=Makro Pakistan |publisher=Makro Pakistan |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> Tesco have not yet ruled out plans to open stores in an Express format, though this format would cater more towards the country's [[Economy of Pakistan#Growing middle class|growing middle class]].
====Poland====
[[Image:POL Prokocim Tesco.jpg|thumb|A Tesco Hypermarket in [[Prokocim]], Poland]]
Tesco entered the Polish market in 1992. It currently operates from 334 stores.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> Tesco Poland offers the value, healthy living and own branded line of products as well as regional produce, petrol, personal finance services and on-line [[photo]] processing.
====Slovakia====
[[File:Tesco Kamenné námestie.jpg|thumb|Tesco, Kamenné námestie, [[Bratislava]], Slovakia]]
Tesco [[Slovakia]] opened in 1996 as part of Tesco's international expansion aims. It now operates from 48 stores and has plans to introduce Tesco Express like local stores.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> Tesco Slovakia has recently put great emphasis on organic products. However, Tesco Slovakia caused controversy amongst the Slovak government when it was found to have come foul of [[food safety laws]] in 2006.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://www.cee-foodindustry.com/news/ng.asp?id=67411-tesco-cee-slovakia|title=Tesco falls foul of Slovak government|publisher=cee food industry|date=2 May 2006}}</ref> In the year 2010 were in Tesco Extra in [[Bratislava]] opened the first self-service cash flow, which is also the first of its kind in Central Europe.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://corporate.itesco.sk/tlacova-sprava.html?id=50|title=The new format Tesco Extra comes to Slovakia|publisher=tesco slovakia|date=30 March 2010}}</ref>
====South Korea====
Tesco launched its South Korean operations in 1999 and partnered with [[Samsung]], currently Tesco holds 94% of the shares in the venture.<ref name=reuters>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKSEO28008020080514 |title=E-Land in talk to sell stores to Tesco South Korea unit | Reuters |publisher=Uk.reuters.com |date=2008-05-14 |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> It operates both hypermarkets and its express format as well as a home delivery shopping service. It is the second largest retailer in South Korea, just behind [[Shinsegae|Shinsegae Group]].<ref name=reuters />
On 14 May 2008, Tesco agreed to purchase 36 hypermarkets with a combination of food and non-food products from [[E-Land]] for $1.9 billion (£976 million) in its biggest single acquisition, making Tesco the second largest in the country. The majority of the E-Land stores formerly belonged to French retailer [[Carrefour]] before 2006 and most of the stores will be converted to Tesco Homeplus outlets. Tesco's South Korean discount store chain, Home Plus, currently has 66 outlets.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://uk.reuters.com/article/mergersNews/idUKSEO28065320080514|title= Tesco to buy 36 S.Korean stores | date=14 May 2008 | work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7399957.stm|title= Tesco set to grow in South Korea | work=BBC News | date=14 May 2008 | accessdate=6 January 2010}}</ref>
====Thailand====
{{Main|Tesco Lotus}}
[[File:Tesco-Lotus.jpg|right|thumb|Tesco-Lotus superstore in Sakon Nakon, Thailand. Shoppers have to pass through a checkpoint before entering the premises.]]
Tesco entered [[Thailand]] in 1998 and operates through 380 stores as part of a joint venture with [[Charoen Pokphand]] and named the operation Tesco Lotus. This partnership was dissolved in 2003 when Charoen Pokphand sold its shares to Tesco. Tesco Lotus sells a diverse range of products from value food products to electronics to personal finance services. The company is keen to promote its green values and has partnered with the [[United Nations Environment Programme|UNEP]]. Tesco Lotus claims to serve 20 million customers every month and that 97% of its goods are sourced from Thailand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tescolotus.net/company/keyfact.asp|title=Key facts about Tesco Lotus|publisher=Tesco Lotus|date=21 April 2008}}</ref>
====Turkey====
Tesco entered [[Turkey]] in 2003 and uses the trading name "Kipa". Tesco remains focused on building infrastructure in Turkey to complete its expansion plans and has already introduced the Tesco Express format into Turkey. There are plans to increase the rate of expansion as basic infrastructure is built.<ref name="autogenerated1" />
====United States of America====
[[Image:Fresh & Easy Las Vegas, Sun City Summerlin.jpg|right|thumb|A [[Fresh & Easy]] store in [[Summerlin, Nevada]], United States]]
{{Main|Fresh & Easy}}
In February 2006, Tesco announced its intention to move into the United States market, opening a chain of grocery convenience stores on the West Coast (Arizona, California and Nevada) in 2007 named [[Fresh & Easy]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.tescocorporate.com/page.aspx?pointerid=14163CB2412F41B1BD7765AC8DBE49EB| title = Tesco to enter United States| accessdate = 2006-03-13}}</ref> The company established its U.S. headquarters in El Segundo, California at 2120 Park Place. The first store opened in November 2007 with 100 more expected in the first year. They plan to open a new one every two-and-a-half days in the United States, to mimic the successful expansion of pharmacy chains such as [[Walgreens]] in the U.S.
The first Tesco Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets opened in [[Hemet, California|Hemet]] ([[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]), [[Anaheim, California|Anaheim]] ([[Orange County, California|Orange County]]), [[Arcadia, California|Arcadia]] ([[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]), [[West Covina, California|West Covina]] ([[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]) and [[Upland, California|Upland]] ([[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino County]]), [[California]] in 2007.
Fresh & Easy operates more than 163 stores in the United States.
==Financial performance==
Tesco is listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]] under the symbol '''TSCO'''. It also has a secondary listing on the [[Irish Stock Exchange]] with the name '''TESCO PLC'''. It also trades on the [[NASDAQ]] under the symbol ''TESO''.
All figures below are for the Tesco's financial years, which run for 52 or 53 week periods to late February. Up to the 27 February 2007 period end the numbers include non-UK and Ireland results for the year ended on 31 December 2006 in the accounting year. The figures in the table below include 52 weeks/12 months of turnover for both sides of the business as this provides the best comparative.
{|align="right"| class="wikitable" style="margin:0 auto 0 auto"
! 52/3 weeks ended
! Turnover (£m)
! Profit before tax (£m)
! Profit for year (£m)
! Basic [[earnings per share]] (p)
|-
| 27 February 2010
| 62,500
| 3,200
|
| 29.02
|-
| 28 February 2009
| 54,300
| 3,128
| 3,090
| 28.92
|-
| 23 February 2008
| 47,298
| 2,803
| 2,130
| 26.95
|-
| 24 February 2007
| 46,600
| 2,653
| 1,899
| 22.36
|-
| 25 February 2006
| 38,300
| 2,210
| 1,576
| 19.70
|-
| 26 February 2005
| 33,974
| 1,962
| 1,366
| 17.44
|-
| 28 February 2004
| 30,814
| 1,600
| 1,100
| 15.05
|-
| 22 February 2003
| 26,337
| 1,361
| 946
| 13.54
|-
| 23 February 2002
| 23,653
| 1,201
| 830
| 12.05
|-
| 24 February 2001
| 20,988
| 1,054
| 767
| 11.29
|-
| 26 February 2000
| 18,796
| 933
| 674
| 10.07
|-
| 27 February 1999
| 17,158
| 842
| 606
| 9.14
|-
| 28 February 1998
| 16,452
| 760
| 532
| 8.12
|}
As of its 2006 year end Tesco was the fourth largest retailer in the world behind Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Home Depot. Tesco moved ahead of Home Depot during 2007, following the sale of Home Depot's professional supply division and a decline in the value of the U.S. dollar against the British Pound. [[METRO AG|METRO]] was only just behind and might move ahead again if the euro strengthens against the pound, but METRO's sales include many billions of [[wholesale]] turnover, and its retail turnover is much less than Tesco's.
At 24 February 2007 Tesco operated 1,988 stores in the UK (2.581 million m², 27.7 million square feet) and 1,275 outside the UK (3.75 million m², 40.4 million square feet).
Despite being in a recession, Tesco made record profits for a British company during the 2009 year up to February 2010. Underlying per-tax profits increased 10.1% to £3.4 billion. Tesco now plans to offer 16,000 new jobs, of which 9,000 will be in the UK.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/apr/20/tesco-rings-up-record-profits-again|title=Tesco rings up record profits|date=2010-04-20|publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited|accessdate=2010-04-20 | location=London | first=Graeme | last=Wearden}}</ref>
===UK market share===
[[Image:Tesco Market Share.jpg|thumb|right|Graph Showing UK Market Share of Tesco]]
According to [[TNS Worldpanel]],<ref>http://www.advfn.com/lse/ShareNews.asp?sharenews=TSCO&article=41054419&headline=tesco-uk-grocery-market-share-up-at-30-5-12-weeks-to-dec-27</ref> Tesco's share of the UK grocery market in the 12 weeks to 27 December 2009 was 30.5%, up 0.1% on 12 weeks to 27 December 2008 largely in line with the increase of the other four largest supermarkets. These increases follow a decline in the market share of discount chains [[Lidl]], [[Aldi]] and [[Netto (store)|Netto]] in the same period, collectively of 0.1%.
{|align="left"| class="wikitable" style="margin:0 auto 0 auto"
! Supermarket
! Market Share<br />December 2009
! +/- from<br />December 2008
|- style="background:#ff9;"
|| Tesco
|| 30.5%
|| {{increase}} 0.1%
|-
| [[Asda]]
| 16.9%
| {{increase}} 0.1%
|-
| [[Sainsbury's]]
| 16.3%
| {{increase}} 0.2%
|-
| [[Morrisons]]
| 12.3%
| {{increase}} 0.5%
|}
==Tesco litigation==
As with any large corporation, Tesco is involved in litigation, usually from claims of personal injury from customers, claims of unfair dismissal from staff, and other commercial matters. Two notable cases were ''[[Ward v Tesco Stores Ltd]]'', which set a precedent in so called 'trip or slip' injury claims against retailers; and ''[[Tesco Supermarkets Ltd v Nattrass]]'', which reached the [[House of Lords]], and became a leading case regarding the corporate liability of businesses for failures of their store managers (in a case of misleading advertising).
==Criticism==
{{Main|Criticism of Tesco}}
Tesco have been criticised for aggressively pursuing critics of the company in Thailand. Writer and former MP Jit Siratranont is facing up to two years in jail and a £16.4 million libel damages claim for saying that Tesco was expanding aggressively at the expense of small local retailers. Tesco served him with writs for criminal defamation and civil libel.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/apr/30/tesco.supermarkets|title= Writers criticise Tesco for 'chilling' Thai libel actions | location=London | date=30 April 2008 | work=The Guardian | first=Rob | last=Evans}}</ref>
Criticism of Tesco includes allegations of stifling competition due to its undeveloped "land bank",<ref>{{cite news|title= UK grocers face competition probe|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6287923.stm|publisher= BBC|date=2007-01-22|accessdate = 2007-02-21}}</ref> and breaching planning laws.<ref>{{cite news|title= Tesco 'breaching planning laws'|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5261844.stm|publisher= BBC|date=2006-08-18|accessdate = 2007-02-21}}</ref>
In December 2006 ''[[The Grocer]]'' magazine published a study which named Tesco as having the slowest checkouts of the six major supermarkets. Somerfield had the shortest queues with an average wait of 4 min 23 seconds. In order of least time spent at the checkout, the other major supermarkets were Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons.<ref name="grocerqueues">{{cite news| title = Tesco Till 'Slowest'| url = http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_headline=tesco-till--slowest--&method=full&objectid=18289622&siteid=94762-name_page.html| work = The Mirror| publisher = Trinity Mirror|date=2006-12-20| accessdate = 2006-12-22}}</ref>
''The Grocer'' also named Asda as the cheapest UK supermarket (based on 33 items). Tesco was second and Sainsbury's and Morrisons joint third.<ref name="grocerqueues"/> Tesco price check tends to differ saying out of 7134 (compared to Asda) products, (Survey carried out between 9 July 2007 and 11 July 2007) Tesco is cheaper: 1835 (compared to 1251 the previous week), Tesco is more expensive: 975 (compared to 984 the previous week) and Tesco is the same price: 4324 (compared to 4996 the previous week).<ref name="tescopricecheck">{{cite news| title = Tesco.com Pricecheck| url = http://www.tesco.com/todayattesco/pricecheck.shtml| work = Tesco| publisher = Tesco|date=2007-07-11| accessdate = 2007-07-13}}</ref>
Tesco received criticism for bureaucratic and inflexible parking systems in its Bloomfield store in [[Dublin]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]].<ref name="parking">{{cite news|title=No budging on car park ticket|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/pricewatch/2008/0331/1206752247810.html|work=The Irish Times|date=2008-03-31|accessdate=2008-03-31}}</ref>
Tesco continues to advertise on [[Fox News]]'s controversial [[Glenn Beck Show]] despite 60 major US companies, and a number of UK companies, pulling their advertisements. The cancellations were largely a consequence of Beck's accusation that [[Barack Obama]] was racist and had a "deep-seated hatred for white people". In contrast, [[Waitrose]] has already ceased advertising on the show.<ref name="glennbeck">{{cite news| title = Diageo ends link with US TV host but Tesco stays | url = http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/diageo-ends-link-with-us-tv-host-but-tesco-stays-1798270.html|work = The Independent| date = 2009-10-06| accessdate = 2009-10-06 | location=London | first=James | last=Thompson}}</ref>
==Opposition to Tesco expansion==
Tesco's expansion has not been without criticism and, in some cases, active opposition.
*A 2006 article on the thisismoney website quoted various criticisms of the company's expansion and dominance of the UK supermarket scene.<ref>[http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=408450&in_page_id=2 Experts warn of Tesco expansion] Evening Standard, 21 April 2006</ref>
*In 2007 residents in the [[Hall Green]] area of [[Birmingham]] made their opposition strongly evident when Tesco announced plans to open a store in the [[Robin Hood]] area of the suburb. The Local Liberal Democrat councillor was actively involved in the opposition to the store opening on the grounds it would affect local businesses and therefore the consumer choice in the area. Tesco was given planning permission to open the store in April 2008 and plans were set up by residents to boycott the store and continue to use local outlets. Since opening Tesco's deliveries have caused major traffic problems in the area and [[Birmingham City Council]] have announced plans to put a loading ban into force between 7:00am and 10:00am to relieve congestion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://michaelwilkes.mycouncillor.org.uk/2009/01/ |title=Michael Wilkes » 2009 » January |publisher=Michaelwilkes.mycouncillor.org.uk |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref>
*In 2008, opposition to a proposed expansion in [[Coventry]] was reported in the ''Coventry Telegraph''.<ref>[http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/2008/07/18/mixed-reaction-to-tesco-expansion-at-cannon-park-coventry-92746-21364275/ Mixed reaction to Tesco expansion at Cannon Park, Coventry] Coventry Telegraph, 18 July 2008</ref>
*In 2007 residents of [[Cambridge]] organised a campaign, "No Mill Road Tesco", with the aim of preventing Tesco from opening a store on Cambridge's [[Mill Road, Cambridge|Mill Road]], a street running just to the south of the centre of Cambridge which is a lively, cosmopolitan area home to many independent shops, [[delicatessen]]s, [[cafe]]s and [[curry house]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nomillroadtesco.org/ |title=No Mill Road Tesco |publisher=No Mill Road Tesco |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> In March 2008, Tesco's application was refused by the council. Tesco appealed, but lost the appeal in November 2008.<ref>[http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_home/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=365818 Tesco appeals dismissed over Mill Road store] Cambridge Evening News, 12 November 2008</ref> The planning inspector dismissed the appeal on the grounds of highway safety.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nomillroadtesco.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/appeal1result.pdf |title=Appeal Decisions: Inquiry held on 30 September – 3 October 2008 |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> In mid-2008, while waiting for the appeal to be heard, Tesco applied for planning permission for an air conditioning and refrigeration plant, which was also rejected by the council.<ref>[http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_home/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=336029 Denied: Tesco's Mill Road plan fails test] Cambridge Evening News, 1 August 2008</ref> Tesco eventually opened a restricted size store with no external refrigeration plant or alcohol license in August 2009.<ref>[http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_cambridge/displayarticle.asp?id=444630 New Tesco opens despite protesters] - Cambridge Evening News, 27 August 2009.</ref>
*In March 2007 residents in [[Bournville]], [[Birmingham]] fought to maintain the historic alcohol free status of the area, in winning a court battle with Tesco, to prevent it selling alcohol in its local outlet. No shops are permitted to sell alcohol in the area and there are no pubs, bars or fast-food outlets in [[Bournville]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/teetotal-bournville-takes-pledge-against-tesco-442048.html |title=Teetotal Bournville takes pledge against Tesco - This Britain, UK |publisher=The Independent |date=2007-03-27 |accessdate=2010-04-16 | location=London | first=Terry | last=Kirby}}</ref>
*Plans for a large Tesco store in [[St Albans]], [[Hertfordshire]], attracted widespread local opposition. This led to the formation of the "Stop St Albans Tesco Group". In June 2008, St Albans Council refused planning permission for the proposed store.<ref>[http://www.stalbansreview.co.uk/news/2371862.tesco_may_appeal/ Tesco may appeal] St Albans Review, 30 June 2008</ref>
*In 2008, Tesco faced opposition to plans to build a new store in Tonypandy, South Wales. Local business protested against the plans and Tesco was later refused planning permission by the local council.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/rhondda/2009/01/08/tesco-will-make-us-a-ghost-town-91466-22618667/ | title = ‘Tesco will make us a ghost town’ | work = WalesOnline | date = 8 January 2009 | first1 = Alex | last1 = Moore | first2 = Rhondda | last2 = Leader}}</ref> Tesco later said they would appeal to the Welsh assembly, However the result of this has not emerged.
*In 2009, Tesco received planning permission to build a Tesco Express store on [[Hope Street, Liverpool|Hope Street]], [[Liverpool]] despite there being a total of eight other Tesco stores (In Express, Metro and Superstore formats) within less than or equivalent to a mile from its proposed location.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.tesco.com/storeLocator/ | title = Tesco Store Locator | work = Tesco Online | date = 2 September 2009 | first1 = | last1 = | first2 = | last2 = }}</ref> This initiated a campaign in the local area<ref>{{cite news | url = http://hopestreet.co.uk/2009/08/poster-no-tesco-on-hope-street/ | title = No Tesco on Hope Street Poster | work = Hope Street Online | date = 2 September 2009 | first1 = | last1 = | first2 = | last2 = }}</ref> and a large Facebook group movement to prevent the construction going ahead.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=259254990413&ref=ts | title = There is just something plain WRONG about a Tesco on Hope Street | work = Facebook | date = 2 September 2009 | first1 = | last1 = | first2 = | last2 = }}</ref> Tesco withdrew the plans on 3 September 2009 due to widespread opposition and condemnation from local people.
Sheringham in Norfolk, has been fighting Tesco for over 13 years. Since 1997 Tesco have had four planning permissions rejected and an appeal thrown out by the planning inspector.
However the expansion of Tesco is not opposed by everyone. Plans for a new Tesco store in [[Immingham]], [[North East Lincolnshire]] were warmly received by the local council<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nelincs.gov.uk/news/tescoimmingham.htm | title = Council welcomes proposal for Tesco supermarket at Kennedy Way, Immingham | publisher = North East Lincolnshire Council | date = 29 January 2009}}</ref> and by members of the public.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/news/Shopping-development-big-boost-Immingham/article-653146-detail/article.html | title = New Tesco plan is unveiled | date = 29 January 2009 | work = This is Grimsby}}</ref>
==Further reading==
{{Refbegin}}
*{{Cite book|title= Tiger by the Tail: A Life in Business from Tesco to Test Cricket|last= MacLaurin|first= Sir Ian|year= 1999|publisher= Pan Books|location= London|isbn=0330373714}}
*{{Cite book|title= Tescopoly: how one shop came out on top and why it matters|last= Simms|first= Andrew|year= 2007|publisher= Constable|location= London|isbn=1845295110}}
*{{Cite book|title= Scoring points : how Tesco continues to win customer loyalty|last= Humby|first= Clive|coauthors= Hunt, Terry & Phillips, Tim|year= 2006|publisher= Kogan Page|location= London & Philadelphia|isbn=9780749447526}}
*{{Cite book|title= Fair-Trade and the growth of ethical consumerism within the mainstream : an investigation into the Tesco consumer|last= Nash|first= Bethany|year= 2006|publisher= University of Leeds|location= Leeds|isbn=75272130}}
{{Refend}}
== Gallery ==
<Gallery>
File:Tesco, Burscough.JPG|Tesco in [[Burscough]], [[Lancashire]]
File:Baldock Tesco.jpg|Tesco supermarket, [[Baldock]], UK
File:Tesco's Superstore, Swindon - geograph.org.uk - 118815.jpg|Tesco superstore in [[Swindon]]
File:Praha, Národní třída, Tesco.jpg|Tesco Store at Národní Třída metro station, Prague
File:Tesco headquarters Czech.jpg|Czech Tesco headquarters, Prague
File:Tesco in Brno.jpg|Tesco [[Brno]]
File:Tesco Mikulov.jpg|Tesco [[Mikulov]], Czech Republic
File:Tesco Express - geograph.org.uk - 230620.jpg|Tesco Express near, [[Locks Heath]], [[Hampshire]], UK
File:TescoexpressArsenal.jpg|Tesco Express near [[Emirates Stadium]]
File:Northallerton Tesco.JPG|Tesco Store in [[Northallerton]], [[North Yorkshire]]
</Gallery>
==See also==
{{Portal box|Hertfordshire|Companies|Food}}
* [[List of supermarket chains in the United Kingdom]]
* [[Tescopoly]]
* [[TNS Worldpanel]]
* [[Tesco Town]]
{{-}}
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
==External links==
{{Commons category|Tesco}}
;Official
* [http://www.tesco.com Tesco UK]
* [http://www.tescoplc.com/ Tesco PLC]
* [http://www.tescocorporate.co.uk/ Tesco Corporate site]
;Critical sites
* [http://www.tescopoly.org/ Tescopoly.org], Coalition of campaign groups criticizing Tesco.
{{Tesco Plc}}
{{UK supermarkets}}
{{Convenience stores}}
{{FTSE 100 Index constituents}}
{{European Retail Round Table}}
{{Supermarkets in France}}
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{{Coord|51|42|18.89|N|0|1|36.37|W|display=title}}
{{Infobox company
|company_name = Tesco plc
|company_logo = [[Image:Tescologo.svg|200px|]]
|company_type = [[Public limited company]]<br />({{lse|TSCO}})
|foundation = {{Start date|1919}} in [[East End of London|East London]]
|founder = [[Jack Cohen (Tesco)|Jack Cohen]]
|slogan = "Every little helps"
|location = [[Cheshunt]], [[United Kingdom]]
|key_people = {{Unbulleted list| [[David Edward Reid|David Reid]] ([[Chairman]]) | [[Terry Leahy|Sir Terry Leahy]] ([[Chief Executive]]) }}
|industry = [[Retail]]
|products = Groceries, [[consumer goods]], financial services, telecoms
|revenue = {{increase}}[[Pound sterling|£]]62.54 billion (February 2010)<ref name=results>
[http://imarketnews.com/node/12078]</ref>
|operating_income = {{increase}}[[Pound sterling|£]]3.41 billion (February 2010)<ref name=results/>
|market capitalisation = £21.8 bn (May 2009)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fool.digitallook.com |title=Investing Channel - Digital Look |publisher=Fool.digitallook.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref>
|num_employees = 440,000 (2008)<ref name="Annual Report 2008">[http://www.tescoreports.com/downloads/tesco_report_final.pdf Tesco: Annual Report 2008]</ref>
|locations=4,811 (Feb 2010) <ref name="tescoplc.com">http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/ir/pres_results/analyst_packs/ap2010/prelim10/prelim10.pdf</ref>
|homepage= {{Url|www.tesco.com}}
}}
[[File:Tesco Kingston Park.jpg|thumb|Tesco store at [[Kingston Park]], [[Newcastle upon Tyne]]]]
'''Tesco plc''' ({{lse|TSCO}}) is a global grocery and general merchandising retailer headquartered in [[Cheshunt]], [[United Kingdom]].<ref>"[http://www.tesco.com/termsandconditions/termsconditionsGeneral.htm Tesco.com Terms & Conditions]." Tesco. Retrieved on 20 June 2010. "The Tesco.com Site is owned and operated by Tesco Stores Limited a company registered in England and Wales whose registered office is at Tesco House, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, EN8 9SL."</ref> It is the third-largest retailer in the world measured by revenues (after [[Wal-Mart]] and [[Carrefour]]) and the second-largest measured by profits (after Wal-Mart).<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom-Australia/Local%20Assets/Documents/news-research/Press%20releases/Global%20Powers%20of%20Retailing/Global_Powers_of_Retailing_2010_report.pdf| title = Global Powers of Retailing 2010| publisher = Deloitte| accessdate = 18 August 2010}}</ref> It has stores in 14 countries across [[Asia]], [[Europe]] and [[North America]] and is the grocery market leader in the UK (where it has a market share of around 30%), [[Malaysia]] and [[Thailand]].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/about_us/strategy/international/ |title=International| accessdate=1 September 2010|publisher=Tesco plc}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/about_us/map/ |title=Interactive map| accessdate=1 September 2010|publisher=Tesco plc}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/feb/02/tesco-carbon-neutral-green-building |title=Tesco opens its first zero carbon store|accessdate=1 September 2010|publisher=The Guardian| date=2 February 2010 | location=London | first=Julia | last=Finch}}</ref>
The chain was founded by [[Jack Cohen (Tesco)|Jack Cohen]] in 1919. The brand first appeared after Cohen bought a shipment of [[tea]] from ''T.E. Stockwell'' and he used those initials and added the first two letters of his own surname. The first Tesco store was opened in 1929 in [[Burnt Oak]], [[Edgware]], Middlesex. Originally a UK-focused retailer specialising in food and drink, it has [[Diversification (strategy)|diversified]] both geographically and by product, into areas such as clothing, electronics, [[financial services]], [[telecoms]], home, health, car and dental [[insurance]], retailing and renting [[DVDs]],<ref name="Tesco DVD Rental">{{cite web| url=http://www.tescodvdrental.com/visitor/home.html| publisher=Tesco| title=Tesco DVD Rental|accessdate = 2006-07-27}}</ref> [[compact discs|CDs]], [[music downloads]], [[Internet]] services and [[software]].
It is listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]] and is a constituent of the [[FTSE 100 Index]].
hi
==Corporate strategy==
[[File:Tesco - Potters Bar - geograph.org.uk - 239291.jpg|left|thumb|[[Potters Bar]] Tesco]]
According to [[Citigroup]] retail analyst David McCarthy, "[Tesco has] pulled off a trick that I'm not aware of any other retailer achieving. That is to appeal to all segments of the market".<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4605115.stm|author=Hannah Liptrot|publisher=BBC|title=Tesco: Supermarket superpower|date=2005-06-03}}</ref> One plank of this strategy has been Tesco's use of its own-brand products,<ref>[http://news.idealo.co.uk/news/4521/tescos-still-pushing-discount-products-to-fight-back-competitors.html Tesco’s still pushing discount products to fight back competitors] Household & Leisure, 15 January 2009</ref> including the upmarket "Finest", mid-range Tesco brand and low-price "Value" encompassing several product categories such as food, beverage, home, clothing, Tesco Mobile and financial services.
Beginning in 1997 when Terry Leahy took over as CEO, Tesco began marketing itself using the phrase "The Tesco Way" to describe the company's core purposes, values, principles, and goals<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://www.icmrindia.org/casestudies/catalogue/Business%20Strategy/Tesco's%20'Steering%20Wheel'%20Strategy.htm|publisher=ICMR|title= Tesco's 'Steering Wheel' Strategy|year=2005}}</ref> This phrase became the standard marketing speak for Tesco as it expanded domestically and internationally under Leahy's leadership, implying a shift by the company to focus on people, both customers and employees.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.tesco-graduates.com/home/programmes/office/personnel|title= Human Resources - Tesco Careers<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref>
A core part of the Tesco expansion strategy <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cio.co.uk/cio100/tesco/1699/ |title=Tesco - CIO 100 Company - CIO UK Magazine |publisher=Cio.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> has been its innovative use of technology.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cio.co.uk/article/583/tesco-storm-the-us-with-box-offering/?otc=44 |title=Tesco storm the US with Box offering - In-Depth - CIO UK Magazine |publisher=Cio.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> It was one of the first to build self-service till and use cameras to reduce queues.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cio.co.uk/news/3204/technology-helps-tesco-beat-crunch/?otc=44 |title=Technology helps Tesco beat crunch |publisher=Cio.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref>
In order to protect its brand image, and given its expansion plans in Thailand, Tesco has recently been employing a policy of launching defamation proceedings. In November 2007, Tesco sued a Thai academic and a former minister for civil [[libel]] and [[criminal]] defamation. Tesco is insisting that the two pay £1.6 million and £16.4 million plus two years' imprisonment respectively. They have been alleged to have misstated that Tesco's Thai market amounts to 37% of its global revenues, amongst criticism of Tesco's propensity to put small retailers out of business.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ian MacKinnon and David Leigh|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/apr/08/tesco.supermarkets|title=Tesco sues critic of its expansion in Thailand for £16.4m damages|publisher=The Guardian|date=2008-04-08 | location=London}}</ref>
Tesco's main advertising slogan is "Every little helps". Its advertisements in print and on television mainly consist of product shots (or an appropriate image, such as a car when advertising petrol) against a white background, with a price or appropriate text (e.g., "Tesco Value") superimposed on a red circle. On television, voiceovers are provided by recognisable actors and presenters, such as [[Barbara Windsor]], [[James Nesbitt]], [[Jane Horrocks]], [[Terry Wogan]], [[Dawn French]], [[Ray Winstone]], [[Neil Morrissey]], [[Martin Clunes]], [[David Jason]], [[David Tennant]] and [[Kathy Burke]] among others.
==Corporate tax structure==
In May 2007, it was revealed that Tesco had moved the head office of its online operations to the [[tax haven]] of Switzerland. This allows it to sell CDs, DVDs and electronic games through its web site without charging [[VAT]].<ref name="mail">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/consumer/caring/article.html?in_article_id=420259&in_page_id=511|publisher=Mail on Sunday|author=Andrew Foxwell and Lauren Mills|date=2007-05-13|title='Green' Tesco's Swiss tax dodge}}</ref> The operation had previously been run out of the tax haven of [[Jersey]], but had been closed by authorities who feared damage to the Island's reputation.<ref name="mail"/>
In June 2008, the government announced that it was closing a tax loophole being used by Tesco.<ref name="leigh">{{cite news|publisher=The Guardian|date=2008-06-14|author=David Leigh|title=Government outlaws tax avoidance schemes|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/jun/14/taxavoidance.tesco | location=London}}</ref> The scheme, identified by British magazine ''[[Private Eye]]'', utilises offshore [[holding companies]] in [[Luxembourg]] and partnership agreements to avoid a corporation tax liability of up to £50 million a year.<ref name="leigh"/> Another scheme previously identified by Private Eye involved depositing £1 billion in a Swiss partnership, and then loaning out that money to overseas Tesco stores, so that profit can be transferred indirectly through interest payments. This scheme is still in operation and is estimated to be costing the UK exchequer up to £20 million a year in corporation tax.<ref name="leigh"/> Tax expert Richard Murphy has provided an analysis of this avoidance structure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2008/06/01/tescos-the-zug-deal-is-tax-avoidance/|author=Richard Murphy|title=Tescos: the Zug deal is tax avoidance|date=2008-06-01}}</ref>
===Legal action against the Guardian newspaper===
In February 2008 a six month investigation by ''[[The Guardian]]'' claimed that Tesco had developed a complex taxation structure involving [[offshore bank]] accounts in the tax haven of the [[Cayman Islands]].<ref>{{cite news|publisher=The Guardian|date=2008-02-27|title=Tesco's £1bn tax avoiding plan - move to the Cayman Islands (legal action/article removed from Guardian web site)|authors=Ian Griffiths and Felicity Lawrence|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/feb/27/tesco.supermarkets|archiveurl=http://www.tiscali.co.uk/money/guardian/news/2008/02/27/tescos-1631bn-tax-avoiding-plan-move-to-t.html|archivedate=2008-02-27 | location=London}}</ref> Tesco was in the process of selling its UK stores, worth an estimated £6 billion, to Cayman Island based companies set up by Tesco. These companies then lease the stores back to Tesco. At the time, ''The Guardian'' claimed that this arrangement would enable Tesco to avoid an estimated £1 billion tax on profits from the property sales, and also to avoid paying any tax on continuing operation of the stores, as the rate of corporation tax in the Cayman Islands is zero. Tesco defended its tax arrangements, saying it had a legal duty to its [[shareholders]] to organise its affairs in a tax-efficient manner and pointing out that the company already pays significant amounts of tax, including VAT, [[excise duty]] and [[fuel duty]] on behalf of its customers, [[PAYE]] and [[national insurance contributions]] on behalf of its employees and [[corporation tax]] on its [[profit (accounting)|profits]].
Following these revelations, several MPs called for an inquiry into Tesco's [[tax avoidance and tax evasion|tax avoidance]] schemes.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/feb/28/tesco.supermarkets?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront|date=2008-02-28|author=Patrick Wintour|publisher=The Guardian|title=(legal action/article removed from Guardian web site) | location=London}}</ref>
Tesco issued a [[writ]] for libel against ''the Guardian'' five weeks later. Tesco denied that it had avoided paying £1 billion corporation tax but for legal reasons refused to answer further questions or to clarify the purpose of the tax structure they had created. Further investigations by ''The Guardian'' discovered that the tax structures were aimed at avoiding [[Stamp Duty Land Tax]], and not corporation tax as originally thought. SDLT is leveled at 4%, and corporate tax at around 30%, so the figure of £1 billion tax avoided by Tesco has been revised to an estimated £90-£100 million.<ref name="tax">{{cite news|publisher=The Guardian|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/may/03/tesco.medialaw|title=Tesco and tax: a complex web of companies, trusts and partnerships|date=2008-05-03 | location=London}}</ref> According to ''the Guardian'', "Tesco has been involved in a game of cat and mouse with HM Revenue & Customs since 2003. On three occasions when the government has closed a loophole to prevent avoidance, Tesco has taken advantage of ingenious schemes to get around it. Tesco still has 36 stores wrapped up in UK limited partnerships - with Cayman Islands registered partners - which were established in 2006 before the latest loophole was closed."<ref name="tax"/>
In September 2008, Tesco dropped the legal action after ''The Guardian'' apologised for its story, acknowledging "These damaging allegations were unfounded and should not have been published. All profits generated by this sale and leaseback arrangement were earned by UK tax-resident companies and have been or will be included in Tesco's UK tax returns. The use of Cayman Island companies in the scheme was for legitimate stamp duty savings purposes."<ref name="apology">{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2008/sep/16/corrections|date=2008-09-16|title=Corrections and clarifications - Tesco - an apology|publisher=The Guardian | location=London}}</ref> Costs were paid by the newspaper with undisclosed damages being paid to charity.<ref name="apology"/>
''The Guardian'''s parent company, [[Guardian Media Group]], used a similar offshore arrangement to avoid tax during its takeover of [[Emap]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brandrepublic.com/News/846169/Guardian-apologises-pays-damages-settle-Tesco-tax-case/|title=Guardian apologises and pays damages to settle Tesco tax case|author=Daniel Farey-Jones|date=2008-09-16|publisher=Brand Republic}}</ref>
==Corporate social responsibility==
Tesco has made a commitment to [[corporate social responsibility]], in the form of contributions of 1.87% in 2006 of its pre-tax profits to charities/local community organisations.<ref name=GiveList06>{{cite news| url=http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-files/Society/documents/2006/11/08/ftse100.pdf| title = PDF of The 2006 Giving List| publisher = The Guardian| accessdate = 2007-03-18|format=PDF | location=London}}</ref> This compares favourably with [[Marks & Spencer]]'s 1.51% but not well with Sainsbury's 7.02%.{{cite news|url=http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/news/Article/615827/ftse-100-companies-reduce-charity-giving/}} [[Will Hutton]], in his role as chief executive of The Work Foundation recently praised Tesco for leading the debate on corporate responsibility.<ref name=WorkFoundtesco>{{cite web| url=http://www.theworkfoundation.com/aboutus/media/pressreleases/tescocorporatesocialresponsibility.aspx| title = The Work Foundation praises Tesco| publisher = The Work Foundation| accessdate = 2007-03-18 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071005054452/http://www.theworkfoundation.com/aboutus/media/pressreleases/tescocorporatesocialresponsibility.aspx <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 5 October 2007}}</ref> However ''[[Intelligent Giving]]'' has criticised the company for directing all "staff giving" support to the company's Charity of the Year.<ref name=IGtesco>{{cite web| url=http://www.intelligentgiving.com/articles/features/get_the_boss_to_help_your_charity| title = Intelligent Giving criticises Tesco's staff giving policies| publisher = Intelligent Giving| accessdate = 2007-03-18}}</ref>
[[File:Tesco's store Evesham - geograph.org.uk - 5736.jpg|thumb|Tesco in [[Evesham]]]]
In 1992, Tesco started a "computers for schools scheme", offering computers in return for schools and hospitals getting vouchers from people who shopped at Tesco. Until 2004, £92 million of equipment went to these organisations. The scheme has been also implemented in Poland.<ref name=CFStesco>{{cite web| url = http://www.bitc.org.uk/resources/case_studies/crmtescocfs.html| title = BITC - Tesco Computers for Schools| accessdate = 2006-01-19 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20051104084131/http://www.bitc.org.uk/resources/case_studies/crmtescocfs.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 4 November 2005}}</ref>
Starting during the 2005/2006 [[association football|football]] season, the company now sponsors the [[Tesco Cup]], a football competition for young players throughout the UK. The cup now runs a boy's competition at Under 13 level and two girl's cups at Under 14 level and Under 16 level. Over 40,000 boys alone took part in the 2007/08 competitions.
In 2009 Tesco used “Change for Good” as advertising, which is trade marked by [[Unicef]] for charity usage but is not trademarked for commercial or retail use which prompted the agency to say "it is the first time in Unicef’s history that a commercial entity has purposely set out to capitalise on one of our campaigns and subsequently damage an income stream which several of our programmes for children are dependent on”.They went on to call on the public “who have children’s welfare at heart, to consider carefully who they support when making consumer choices”.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0725/1224251305112.html | title = Unicef accuses Tesco of misusing charity slogan | work = [[The Irish Times]] | date =25 July 2009 | first = Marie | last = O'Halloran}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.independent.ie/business/irish/tesco-in-clash-with-unicef-1841427.html | title = Tesco in clash with Unicef | work = [[Independent.ie]] | first = Louise | last = McBride | date = 26 July 2009}}</ref>
==Advertising==
Tesco have used many Television adverts over the years. In July 2007 a DVD containing adverts from 1977-2007 was given to all members of staff. Early advertising stressed cheap prices and how to keep "The cost of living in check." In 1977 an advert was made where a till would show the prices to many items such as "baked beans 12<sup>1</sup>/<sub>2</sub>p".
Tesco's most famous advert was "Checkout 82" which was made in 1982. where a till would have a receipt coming out of it with the prices on. This advert had synth pop music as the backing and people singing "Check it out, check it out"
Adverts in the late 90s had [[Prunella Scales]] as Dotty Turnbull, arguing about Tesco prices. In 2003, adverts showed items and shopping trolleys talking about Tesco. Late 2000s adverts have included many celebrities and celebrity voice-overs such as The Spice Girls and the voice of [[James Nesbitt]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1569317/Spice-Girls-go-shopping-at-Tesco.html |title=Spice Girls go shopping at Tesco
|accessdate=19 September 2010|publisher=The Telegraph| date=14 November 2007 | location=London | first=Bonnie | last=Malkin}}</ref>
<gallery>
File:Dotty Turnbull .png|Prunella Scales, as Dotty Turnbull arguing about Tesco prices
File:The Tesco Talking Trolleys (2003) .JPG|Tesco Talking Trolleys
</gallery><br clear=all>
==UK operations==
===Stores===
Tesco's UK stores are divided into six formats, differentiated by size and the range of products sold. These are shown below:
====Tesco Extra====
[[File:Tesco, Batley.jpg|thumb|Tesco Extra, Commercial Street, [[Batley]], [[West Yorkshire]].]]
Tesco Extra stores are larger, mainly out-of-town [[hypermarkets]] that stock nearly all of Tesco's product ranges. Exceptions include [[Stafford]] Extra [[Hexham]] Extra, [[Kingston upon Hull]] Extra, [[Stevenage]] Extra, [[Wigan]] Extra, [[Grimsby]] Extra, [[Galashiels]] Extra, [[Slough]] Extra, [[Eastbourne]] Extra, [[Yeovil]] Extra and [[Burnley]] Extra, which are in the heart of the town centre and [[Cardiff]] Western Avenue Extra, [[Cardiff]] Pengam Green Extra and [[Warrington]] Extra which are located in an inner-city location.The first Extra opened in 1997 in [[Pitsea]], [[Essex]]. The 100th store opened on 29 November 2004 in [[Stafford]], [[Staffordshire]]. The number of these is now being increased by about 20 a year, mainly by conversions from the second category. The largest store in England by floor space is Tesco Extra in [[Pitsea]], near [[Basildon]], [[Essex]], with floorspace of 11,600 m² (125,000 sq ft). In 2011, a Tesco Extra will be constructed in St.Helens adjacent to the new St.Helens RLFC Stadium. This new Tesco will be 140,000 square feet making it the largest in the UK.{{Citation needed|date=October 2010}} The largest in Scotland is the [[Port Glasgow]] store, which opened in July 2007 with a floorspace of 10,200 m² (110,000 sq ft). The largest in [[Wales]] is the Tesco Extra at [[Parc Fforestfach]], [[Swansea]], which is 112,000 sq ft (10,400 m2)constructed in 2003.
Other large stores include [[Bar Hill]] Extra, [[Cleethorpes]] Extra, [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] Extra, [[Milton Keynes]] Kingston Extra and [[Stockton-on-Tees]] Extra which are all in the 11,000 m² (120,000 sq ft) range. Newer Tesco Extra stores are usually on two floors, with the ground floor for mainly food and the first floor for clothing, electronics and [[entertainment]]. Most Tesco Extra stores have a café too and as of October 2009, all stores have a Tesco Tech Support Team (www.tescotechsupport.co.uk).
[[Tesco Ireland]] also operate a small number of Tesco Extra hypermarkets in the [[Republic of Ireland]], with [[Clarehall]] Extra on the [[R107 road|Malahide Road]] being the first to open in 2006. Tesco's largest hypermarket store in [[Europe]] is under construction in [[Naas]] in [[Co Kildare]] and will be 18,500 m² in size when completed in November 2010.
In April 2010 opened the first Tesco Extra in [[Central Europe]] in [[Bratislava]] - [[Petrzalka]], in [[Slovakia]]. This is a pilot project for Tesco in the region. By the end of the year, plans to open more stores outside Tesco Extra in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
In August 2010 opened the first Tesco Extra in [[Budapest]], [[Hungary]], Tesco Extra Fogarasi. By the end of the year, plans to open more stores in [[Poland]].
====Tesco Superstores====
Tesco superstores are standard large supermarkets, stocking groceries and a much smaller range of non-food goods than Extra stores. The stores have always previously been branded as simply 'Tesco', however a new store in Liverpool is the first to use the format brand 'Tesco Superstore' above the door.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.retail-week.com/Stores/2009/02/tesco_launches_superstore_format_at_liverpool_one_piling_pressure_on_nonfood_ri.html| publisher= Retail Week| title=First store to be branded 'Tesco Superstore'}}</ref>
====Tesco Metro====
[[Image:20040801-008-tesco.jpg|thumb|120px|Tesco Metro, [[St Albans, England]]]]
Tesco Metro stores are sized between Tesco superstores and Tesco Express stores. They are mainly located in city centres, the inner city and on the high streets of towns. The first Tesco Metro was opened in Neston in 1980. Since then all Tesco branches that have a high street format including those which opened before the Covent Garden branch have been subsequently rebranded from Tesco to Tesco Metro. The Tesco store in [[Devizes]] was the last store to finish rebranding, in September 2006. The store had not been renovated for over 20 years.
{{-}}
====Tesco Express====
[[File:TescoExpress.jpg|thumb|120px|left|Tesco Express, Hilperton Road, [[Trowbridge]], [[Wiltshire]]]]
Tesco Express stores are neighbourhood convenience shops, stocking mainly food with an emphasis on higher-margin products (due to small store size, and the necessity to maximise revenue per square foot) alongside everyday essentials. They are found in busy city centre districts, small shopping precincts in residential areas, small towns and on [[Esso]] petrol station forecourts. The 1000th Tesco Express site opened in July 2009. Tesco have now started building Tesco Express stores with only 'Assisted-Service' tills in which the customer scans all their own shopping and packs it, with the support of supervising staff when required.
{{-}}
====One Stop====
[[File:TescoOneStop.jpg|thumb|right|120px|One Stop, [[Trowbridge]], [[Wiltshire]]]]
One Stop stores are the only category which does not include the word Tesco in its name and include some of the smallest stores. They were part of the T&S Stores business but, unlike many which have been converted to Tesco Express, these kept their old name. Some have [[Tesco Personal Finance]] branded [[Automated teller machine|cash machines]].
The business has attracted some controversy, as grocery prices in these shops, often situated in less well-off areas can be higher than nearby Tesco branded stores, highlighted in [[The Times]] 22 March 2010: "Britain’s biggest supermarket uses its chain of 520 One Stop convenience stores — which many customers do not realise it owns — to charge up to 14 per cent more for goods than it does in Tesco-branded stores."
Tesco responded to the article stating "It is a separate business within the Tesco Group, with its own supply chain and distribution network. One Stop stores offer a different range to Express stores and its operating costs are different. One Stop’s price strategy is to match its nearest competitor Cost Cutter and is frequently cheaper."
{{-}}
====Tesco Homeplus====
;History
Tesco Homeplus is not Tesco's first non-food only venture in the UK. Until the late 1990s/early 2000s there were several non-food Tesco stores around the country including Scarborough and Yate. Although not in a warehouse style format, the stores were located on high streets and shopping centres, they did stock similar items to Homeplus stores. In both cases this was because in another part of the shopping centre was a Tesco Superstore which stocked food items only.
In May 2005 Tesco announced a trial non-food only format near [[Manchester]] and [[Aberdeen]],<ref>
{{cite web
|url = http://www.tescocorporate.com/page.aspx?pointerid=DEC14C7BA76D451F8D81DBC4A14DE89C
|title = Tesco announces non-food store trials
|accessdate = 2006-03-13
}}</ref> and the first store opened in October 2005:
A further 5 stores opened before it stopped being a trial, and there is now a plan to open many more stores.
;Current
Stores offer all of Tesco's ranges except food in warehouse-style units in retail parks. Tesco is using this format because only 20% of its customers have access to a Tesco Extra, and the company is restricted in how many of its superstores it can convert into Extras and how quickly it can do so. Large units for non-food retailing are much more readily available.
There are currently 12 Homeplus stores nationwide. The newest Homeplus store opened in Chester in July 2009.
;Future
2 more are due to open in the first half of '09 at sites around the country. All of these will feature the Order and Collect desk where customers can purchase and collect most items straightaway.
====Store facts====
As of 27 February 2010, at the end of its 2009/10 financial year, Tesco's UK store portfolio was as follows.<ref name="tescoplc.com"/>
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0 auto 0 auto"
|-
! Format
! Number
! Total<br />area ([[metre|m]]²)
! Total<br />area (sq [[foot (length)|ft]])
! Mean<br />area ([[metre|m]]²)
! Mean<br />area (sq [[foot (length)|ft]])
! Percentage<br />of space
! +/- Stores<br />2009/10
|-
| Tesco Extra
| 190
| 1,265,989
| 13,627,000
| 6,625
| 71,721
| 41.31%
| {{increase}} 13
|-
| Tesco Superstores
| 455
| 1,255,584
| 13,515,000
| 2,786
| 29,703
| 40.97%
| {{increase}} 7
|-
| Tesco Metro
| 181
| 192,867
| 2,076,000
| 1,081
| 11,470
| 6.29%
| {{increase}} 7
|-
| Tesco Express
| 1,130
| 236,345
| 2,544,000
| 205
| 2,251
| 7.71%
| {{increase}} 169
|-
| One Stop
| 513
| 62,430
| 62,710
| 126
| 1,316
| 2.02%
| {{increase}} 1
|-
| Tesco Homeplus
| 13
| 37,904
| 554,000
| 3,790
| 51,468
| 1.70%
| {{increase}} 3
|- style="background:#efefef;"
| '''Total'''
| '''2,482'''
| '''3,051,119'''
| '''32,991,000'''
| '''1,229'''
| '''13,292'''
| '''100%'''
| {{increase}} 200
|}
===Other businesses===
====Garden centres====
Tesco announced its intention to purchase [[Dobbies Garden Centres]] for £155.6 million on 8 June 2007. Dobbies operates 24 garden centres, half in Scotland and half in England.<ref name='dobbies'>{{cite news| first=Dearbail| last=Jordan| title=Tesco swoops on Dobbies Garden Centres|date=2007-06-08| publisher=Times Newspapers| url =http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article1902736.ece| work =The Times| accessdate = 2007-06-08 | location=London}}</ref> The deal was confirmed as successful by the board of directors of Tesco on 17 August 2007 when the board announced that they had received 53.1% of shares (or 5,410,457 shares) which confirmed conditions set out in the offer made on 20 June 2007. Although the deal had been confirmed by Tesco the offer remained open to Dobbies shareholders until 20 August 2007.<ref name='dobbiesconf'>{{cite news| title=Offer Declared Unconditional in all Respects|date=2007-08-17| publisher=Dobbies| url =http://www.dobbies.com/tescoannoucement.aspx| work = Dobbies| page = 1| accessdate = 2007-08-19| language = en}}</ref> Tesco raised its holding to 65% in September<ref>{{cite news|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7023306.stm | publisher = BBC NEWS| work = Business|title = Tesco sees UK sales growth slow | date=2 October 2007 | accessdate=6 January 2010}}</ref> and on 5 June 2008<ref name='dobbiesacq'>{{cite news| title=Compulsory acquisition of outstanding Dobbies Shares| publisher=Dobbies| url=http://www.dobbies.com/compulsoryacquisitionofoutstandingdobbiesshrs.aspx| language=en}}</ref> Tesco announced that it would be compulsorily acquiring Dobbies Garden Centres plc. Dobbies continues to trade under its own brand, from its own head office in Melville, near [[Edinburgh]].
====Banking====
{{Main|Tesco Bank}}
Tesco has a banking arm called Tesco Bank, formerly a 50:50 [[joint venture]] with the [[Royal Bank of Scotland]]. Products on offer include credit cards, loans, mortgages, savings accounts and several types of insurance, including car, home, life and travel. They are promoted by leaflets in Tesco's stores and through its website. The business made a profit of £130 million for the 52 weeks to 24 February 2007, of which Tesco's share was £66 million. This move towards the financial sector diversified the Tesco [[brand]] and provides opportunities for growth outside of the retailing sector.
On 28 July 2008 Tesco announced that they were buying out the Royal Bank of Scotland's 50% stake in the company for [[Pound sterling|£]]950 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Tesco-Pays-Royal-Bank-Of-Scotland-950m-In-New-Personal-Finance-Deal/Article/200807415058484?lpos=Business_2&lid=ARTICLE_15058484_Tesco%2BPays%2BRoyal%2BBank%2BOf%2BScotland%2B%25C2%25A3950m%2BIn%2BNew%2BPersonal%2BFinance%2BDeal|title=Tesco is taking full control of Tesco Personal Finance, after paying Royal Bank of Scotland £950 million for its 50% stake in the division.|publisher=Sky News|date=2008-07-28|accessdate=2008-07-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=A1YourView&xml=/money/2008/07/28/bcntesco228.xml|title= Tesco eyes mortgages and current accounts in plan to take on UK's high street banks|publisher=The Telegraph|date=2008-07-28|accessdate=2008-07-28 | location=London | first1=Emma | last1=Thelwell | first2=Myra | last2=Butterworth}}</ref> In October 2009 the name of Tesco Personal Finance was changed to Tesco Bank.
====Technika====
There is a brand of electronic products produced for Tesco, called [[Technika (brand)|Technika]].
====Telecoms====
Tesco operates mobile phone, home phone and broadband businesses. These are available to residential consumers in several countries and are sold via the Tesco website and through Tesco stores. Tesco has not purchased or built a telecoms network, but instead has pursued a strategy of pairing its marketing strength with the expertise of existing telecoms operators.
MOBILE: In autumn 2003, [[Tesco Mobile]] was launched as a joint venture with [[O2 plc|O2]]. In November 2009 Tesco announced over 2 million UK customers are using this service. A similar [[O2 plc|O2]] based service has since been launched in Ireland and Slovakia.
ISP: In August 2004 Tesco broadband, an [[ADSL]]-based service delivered via [[BT Group plc|BT]] phone lines, was launched in partnership with [[NTL:Telewest|NTL]]. In November 2009 Tesco announced a new partnership with [[Cable & Wireless]], and a fresh focus on this business area.
VOIP: In January 2006, Tesco Internet Phone, a Voice over Internet Protocol, [[VoIP]], service was launched in conjunction with Freshtel of Australia. This service was shut down in 2010.
PHONE SHOPS: In November 2009 Tesco announced it now has 100 Phone Shops embedded within larger [[Tesco Extra]] stores, and stated an intention to open up to 500 such shops across the UK in the medium term. In April 2010 the first Tesco Phone shop opened in Slovakia.
====Fuel====
[[File:Tesco Petrol Station, St Mellons - geograph.org.uk - 92048.jpg|right|thumb|Tesco petrol station in [[St Mellons]]]]
Tesco first started selling petrol in 1974. Tesco sells 95, 97 and 99 [[Octane rating|RON]] (a fuel developed by [[Greenergy]] of which Tesco is a shareholder) petrol on a retail basis from forecourts at most superstore and Express locations. Tesco have recently diversified into [[biofuels]], offering petrol-bioethanol and diesel-biodiesel blends instead of pure petrol and diesel at their petrol stations, and now offering Greenergy 100% biodiesel at many stores in the southeast of the United Kingdom.
On 28 February 2007 motorists in [[South East England]] reported that their cars were breaking down. This was due to petrol sold by Tesco and others being contaminated with [[silicon]],<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/transport/article2323460.ece|title= Silicon found to be rogue element in petrol|publisher= Barrie Clement, The Independent|date= 3 March 2007 | location=London}}</ref> Tesco has been criticised with claims that they had been alerted to the problem as early as 12 February 2007. On 6 March, Tesco offered to pay for any damage caused by the faulty petrol, after printing full page apologies in many national newspapers.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6421783.stm|title= Retailers offer car repair refund|publisher= BBC News|date= 6 March 2007}}</ref>
====Tech Support====
[[Image:TescoTechLogo 03.png|thumb|right|200px|Tesco Tech Support logo]]
Tesco acquired a small I.T. support company called The PC Guys in 2008, and were able to launch Tesco Tech Support in December of that year.<ref>{{cite web|title = Tesco Tech Support|accessdate = 2009-07-01|url = http://tescotechsupport.com/}}</ref> Teams of Advisors were put into all [[Tesco#Tesco Extra|Extra]] stores with the sole job role of answering technical questions on Tesco's range of electrical products. They also are responsible for advising customers on extended warranties, electrical returns and a range of payment plans on all electrical goods over a certain amount.
====Film Making====
In 2010 Tesco started funding a small film studio intended to produce Tesco exclusive direct-to-DVD films. The first film comes out on 6 September and is called ''[[Paris Connections]]''. It is based on a popular novel by Jackie Collins, and is an investigation thriller. Jackie Collins rewrote the novel to be more appropriate to the medium of film.<ref>[http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/11/uk-supermarket-chain-tesco-gets-into-the-filmmaking-biz/ UK supermarket chain Tesco gets into the filmmaking biz]</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8478414.stm BBC News: Tesco signs film-making joint venture]</ref><ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jan/24/tesco-film-movies-novels-adaptations The Guardian: Tesco sets up film studio to adapt hit novels]</ref>
====Record Label====
In 2010, Tesco announced that they will be forming their own record label. Notable signings to date include [[Mick Hucknall]] and [[Nadine Coyle]], whose debut solo album is to be released on November 8. The debut single, Insatiable (which is also the album title) is available to be seen on Youtube. Tesco records will be exclusive products to Tesco stores.<ref>http://music.aol.co.uk/2010/09/06/nadine-coyle-tesco-deal-album/</ref>
===Tesco Clubcard===
{{Main|Tesco Clubcard}}
Customers can collect two Clubcard points for every £1 (or one point for €1 in Ireland and Slovakia) they spend in a Tesco store, or Tesco.com, and 1 point per £1 in petrol station (not in Slovakia). Customers can also collect points by paying with a Tesco Credit Card, or by using Tesco Mobile, Tesco Homephone, Tesco Broadband, selected Tesco Personal Finance products or through Clubcard partners, [[E.ON]] and [[Avis Rent a Car System|Avis]]. Each point equates to 1p in store when redeemed or 4p when used with clubcard deals (offers for holidays, day trips, etc.). Clubcard points (UK & IE) can also be converted to [[Airmiles]]. Clubcard points are also converted into coupons which can be redeemed for extra points or cash totals.
Holders receive quarterly Clubcard statements offering discount coupons which can be spent in-store, online or on various Clubcard deals.
Tesco was cited in a Wall Street Journal article<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/wsj/access/1049173581.html?dids=1049173581:1049173581&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jun+6%2C+2006&author=Cecilie+Rohwedder&pub=Ms.+Fiala+Changes+Detergent%3B+Wall+Street+Journal&edition=Eastern+edition&startpage=A.1&type=91_1996&desc=Stores+of+Knowledge%3A+No.1+Retailer+in+Britain+Uses+%27Clubcard%27+to+Thwart+Wal-Mart
|title=Retailer in Britain Uses 'Clubcard' to Thwart Wal-Mart
|author=Cecilie Rohwedder
|date=2006-06-06
|accessdate = 2007-04-30
|work=Wall Street Journal Online
|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071001012148/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/wsj/access/1049173581.html?dids=1049173581:1049173581&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jun+6,+2006&author=Cecilie+Rohwedder&pub=Ms.+Fiala+Changes+Detergent;+Wall+Street+Journal&edition=Eastern+edition&startpage=A.1&type=91_1996&desc=Stores+of+Knowledge:+No.1+Retailer+in+Britain+Uses+'Clubcard'+to+Thwart+Wal-Mart <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 1 October 2007}}(Abstract only is online)</ref> as using the intelligence from the Clubcard to thwart Wal-Mart's initiatives in the UK.
==Internet operations==
{{Main|Tesco.com}}
Tesco operates a grocery homeshopping service, as well as providing consumer goods, telecommunications and financial services online.
In May 1984, in [[Gateshead]], England, the world's first recorded online home shopper, Mrs Jane Snowball, purchased groceries from her local Tesco store in the world's first recorded [[online shopping]] transaction from the home.<ref>{{cite journal | title = Videotex takes Gateshead Teleshopping into the home | journal = The Incorporated Engineer, Journal of the IEEIE London | month = September | year = 1984 | page = 6}}</ref>
Tesco has operated on the internet since 1994 and was the first retailer in the world to offer a robust home shopping service in 1996. Tesco.com was formally launched in 2000. It also has online operations in the Republic of Ireland and South Korea. Grocery sales are available within delivery range of selected stores, goods being hand-picked within each store, in contrast to the warehouse model followed by Ocado. In 2003, tesco.com's CEO at the time, John Browett, received the Wharton Infosys Business Transformation Award for the innovative processes he used to support this online grocery service.
On 1 October 2006, Tesco announced that it will be selling six [[own-brand]] budget software packages for under £20 each, including office and security suites, in a partnership with software firm [[Formjet]].<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5396488.stm|title= Tesco moves into software market|publisher= BBC News|date= 1 October 2006}}</ref> As Formjet is exclusive distributor for [[Panda Software]] and [[Ability Plus Software]], packages from these companies are likely to feature.
Tesco offers an internet-based DVD rental service, which is operated by [[LOVEFiLM]] and a music download service.
==International operations==
[[File:TESCO international2.png|thumb|right|300px|Countries in which Tesco operates.]]
Tesco's international expansion strategy has responded to the need to be sensitive to local expectations in other countries by entering into joint ventures with local partners, such as [[Samsung Group]] in South Korea ([[Samsung-Tesco]] [[Home plus]]), and [[Charoen Pokphand]] in [[Thailand]] ([[Tesco Lotus]]), appointing a very high proportion of local personnel to management positions. It also makes small acquisitions as part of its strategy for example, in its 2005/2006 financial year it made acquisitions in South Korea, one in Poland and one in Japan.<ref>[http://www.tescocorporate.com/images/pressrelease_final_0.pdf Tesco Preliminary Results 2006]</ref>
In late 2004 the amount of floorspace Tesco operated outside the United Kingdom surpassed the amount it had in its home market for the first time, although the United Kingdom still accounted for more than 75% of group revenue due to lower sales per unit area outside the UK.
In September 2005 Tesco announced that it was selling its operations in [[Taiwan]] to Carrefour and purchasing Carrefour's stores in the Czech Republic and [[Slovakia]]. Both companies stated that they were concentrating their efforts in countries where they had strong market positions.
The following table shows the number of stores, total store size in area and sales for Tesco's international operations. The store numbers and floor area figures are as at 27 February 2010. This information is taken from the {{PDFlink|[http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/ir/pres_results/analyst_packs/ap2010/prelim10/prelim10.pdf 2009/10 financial broker pack]|106 KB}}.
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="margin:0 auto 0 auto"
|-
! Country
! Entered
! Stores
! Area ([[metre|m]]² (sq [[foot (length)|ft]]))
! Mean Store Area ([[metre|m]]² (sq [[foot (length)|ft]]))
! +/- Stores <br /> 2009/10
|-
| {{Flagicon|People's Republic of China}} [[People's Republic of China|China]]
| 2004
| 88
| 657,382 (7,076,000)
| 7,470 (80,409)
| {{increase}} 18
|-
| {{Flagicon|Czech Republic}} [[Czech Republic]]
| 1996
| 136
| 454,389 (4,891,000)
| 3,341 (35,963)
| {{increase}} 23
|-
| {{Flagicon|France}} [[France]]
| 1992
| 0
| 0 (0)
| 0 (0)
| {{decrease}} 1
|-
| {{Flagicon|Hungary}} [[Hungary]]
| 1994
| 176
| 614,647 (6,616,000)
| 3,492 (37,591)
| {{increase}} 27
|-
| {{Flagicon|Republic of Ireland}} [[Republic of Ireland]]
| 1997
| 119
| 281,589 (3,031,000)
| 2,366 (25,471)
| {{increase}} 3
|-
| {{Flagicon|Japan}} [[Japan]]
| 2003
| 142
| 44,315 (477,000)
| 312 (3,359)
| {{increase}} 7
|-
| {{Flagicon|Malaysia}} [[Malaysia]]
| 2002
| 35
| 260,593 (2,805,000)
| 7,446 (80,143)
| {{increase}} 3
|-
| {{Flagicon|Poland}} [[Poland]]
| 1992
| 602
| 901,697 (9,553,000)
| 3,088 (32,479)
| {{increase}} 28
|-
| {{Flagicon|Slovakia}} [[Slovakia]]
| 1996
| 81
| 292,459 (3,148,000)
| 3,611 (38,864)
| {{increase}} 11
|-
| {{Flagicon|South Korea}} [[South Korea]]
| 1999
| 305
| 1,015,152 (10,927,000)
| 3,328 (35,826)
| {{increase}} 63
|-
| {{Flagicon|Thailand}} [[Thailand]]
| 1998
| 663
| 975,389 (10,499,000)
| 1,471 (15,836)
| {{increase}} 92
|-
| {{Flagicon|Turkey}} [[Turkey]]
| 2003
| 105
| 232,165 (2,499,000)
| 2,211 (23,800)
| {{increase}} 9
|-
| {{Flagicon|UK}} [[United Kingdom]] (for comparison)
| 1919
| 2,482
| 3,051,119 (32,991,000)
| 1,229 (13,292)
| {{increase}} 200
|-
| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[United States]]
| 2007
| 145
| 135,267 (1,456,000)
| 933 (10,041)
| {{increase}} 30
|- class="sortbottom" style="background:#efefef;"
| '''Total (not including UK)'''
|
| '''2,331'''
| '''5,665,044 (60,978,000)'''
| '''Mean: 2,430 (26,160)'''
| {{increase}} 302
|- class="sortbottom" style="background:#efefef;"
| '''Total (including UK)'''
|
| '''4,813'''
| '''8,716,163 (93,969,000)'''
| '''Mean: 1,811 (19,524)'''
| {{increase}} 502
|}
====China====
Tesco entered [[China]], in September 2004, by acquiring a 50% stake in the Hymall chain, from [[Ting Hsin]] of [[Taiwan]]. In September 2005, Tesco sold its stores in Taiwan to [[Carrefour]].
In December 2006 it raised its stake to 90% in a £180 million deal.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://miranda.hemscott.com/servlet/HsPublic?context=ir.access&ir_option=RNS_NEWS&item=38141457174563&ir_client_id=622|title= TESCO Extends Partnership in China|publisher= London Stock Exchange's Regulatory News Service|date= 12 December 2006}}</ref> Most of Tesco China's stores are based around [[Shanghai]], but according to Tesco it plans to equip the business to expand more quickly and in different areas. Tesco has been increasing its own brand products into the [[Economy of the People's Republic of China|Chinese market]] as well as introducing the Tesco Express format.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/retailing/article3671705.ece|title=Tescco Express rolls into China|publisher=The Times|date=21 April 2008}}</ref>
====Czech Republic====
[[File:Tesco express prague - belehradska street.jpg|right|thumb|Tesco Express, Belehradska Street, [[Prague]], Czech Republic]]
Tesco opened its first store in the Czech Republic in 1996 and now has over 84 stores, with further planned.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.tescocorporate.com/images/annual_review_and_sfs_2007_0.pdf|title=Tesco Annual Review 2007|publisher=Tesco Plc|date=21 April 2008|format=PDF}}{{Dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref> Tesco opened its first stores in the Czech Republic by buying US corporation Kmart's operations in the country and converting them into Tesco stores. Tesco is also keen to expand non-food items and has already opened petrol stations and offers personal finance services in the Czech Republic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.itesco.cz/en_cz/services|title=Tesco Services|publisher=Tesco Czech Republic|date=21 April 2008}}</ref>
====France====
Tesco previously owned a French chain called [[Catteau]] between 1992 and 1997 and operated a "Vin Plus" outlet in [[Calais]], selling wine, beer and spirits, which closed on 30 August 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10356727.stm |work= BBC News Online|title = UK firms shut French stores as 'booze cruise' declines|date= 19 June 2010 |accessdate=2010-07-17}}</ref>
====Hungary====
Tesco launched in Hungary in 1995 after purchasing [[KMart]]'s operations in the area. It also opened its first hypermarket in Hungary in the same year. Tesco operates through 101 stores in Hungary with further openings planned.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> Tesco offers its value, standard, healthy living and finest range in its stores. Tesco Hungary also offers a clothing line and personal finance services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tesco.hu/tpp-main.php?cmssessid=T62c0c8b798583512629bddae51a154bad5f2f0682cea9b6a2185c8ab4d78185|title=Tesco Services|publisher=Tesco Hungary|date=21 April 2008}}{{Dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref> In August 2010 opened the first Tesco Extra in [[Budapest]]; its name is Tesco Extra Fogarasi and it is located in Zugló, Budapest.
====Ireland====
{{Main|Tesco Ireland}}
Tesco operated in the Irish grocery market in the early eighties, however sold its operations there in March 1986.<ref>{{cite news|title= Tesco withdraws from Ireland|work=The Guardian|publisher=Guardian Newspapers|date=1986-03-27|accessdate=2008-08-09}}</ref>
Tesco re-entered the Irish market in 1997 after the purchase of Power Supermarkets Ltd. It now operates from 101 stores across Ireland. Like Tesco stores in the UK, these offer a home delivery shopping service available to 80% of the Irish population as well as petrol, mobile telephone, personal finance, flower delivery service and a weight-loss programme.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tesco.ie/online-shopping-ireland.html|title=Food and Grocery Shopping, Tesco Ireland|publisher=Tesco Ireland|date=21 April 2008}}</ref> Also available is Tesco's loyalty programme, the Clubcard.
Tesco is now the grocery market leader in the Republic of Ireland, with a reported November 2005 share of 26.3%.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2005/1206/supermarkets-business.html|title=Tesco still commanding highest market share|publisher=RTÉ Business|date=6 December 2006}}</ref> Tesco Ireland also claims to be the largest purchaser of Irish food with an estimated €1.5 billion annually.The biggest Tesco store in Ireland opened on November 1st. It is located in Monread Road,Naas.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://www.tesco.ie/corporate_info/abouttesco.htm|title=About Tesco Ireland|publisher=Tesco Ireland}}</ref>
====Isle of Man====
Tesco has a large purpose built store and car park in [[Douglas, Isle of Man|Douglas]] on the [[Isle of Man]], behind the harbour in Douglas.
There are plans to rebuild the store to almost double the floor space, including a mezzanine level and to replace the open car parking area with a 2 storey car park. Tesco also runs a home delivery service across the island.
====Japan====
Tesco Japan first began operations in 2003. It was brought about by a buy-out of C Two stores for £139 million in July 2003 and later Fre'c in April 2004.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2004/jun/01/japan.supermarkets|title=Tesco pedals cautious path in Japan|publisher=The Guardian|date= 1 June 2004}}</ref> Tesco has adopted an approach which focuses on small corner shops operating similarly to its Express format rather than opening hypermarkets. It has also launched its range of software in Japan.<ref name="autogenerated1" />
====Malaysia====
[[Image:Bukit-tinggi-klang-tesco.gif|thumb|A Tesco outlet in [[Bandar Bukit Tinggi]], [[Klang]], [[Selangor]], [[Malaysia]].]]
Tesco opened its first store in [[Malaysia]] in May 2002 with the opening of its first hypermarket in [[Puchong]], [[Selangor]]. Tesco Malaysia currently operates 34 Tesco and Tesco Extra stores. Total store by state in Malaysia is [[Selangor]] with 11 store, [[Kuala Lumpur]] 4 store, [[Perak]] and [[Johor]] 5 store, [[Penang]] and [[Kedah]] 3 store, [[Melaka]] 2 store, [[Negeri Sembilan]] and [[Kelantan]] 1 store. Tesco partnered with local conglomerate [[Sime Darby|Sime Darby Berhad]] which holds 30% of the shares.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tesco.com.my/article.cfm?id=33|title=Corporate information, Tesco Malaysia|publisher=Tesco Stores (Malaysia)Sdn Bhd|date=21 April 2008}}{{Dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref> Tesco also acquired the Malaysian operation of the wholesaler [[Makro]], which was rebranded Tesco Extra and provides products for local retailers. Tesco Malaysia offers a value range, own branded range, electronic goods, the loyalty clubcard and clothing. Tesco Malaysia's clubcard introduced Green ClubCard Points in 2007 making Tesco Malaysia to be the first Tesco international business to introduce the scheme (Green ClubCard Points).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tescoplc.com/plc/about_us/map/ |title=Tesco: Interactive map |publisher=Tescoplc.com |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref>
====Pakistan====
Tesco, along with delegates from other supermarkets and retailers recently held talks with a Pakistani trade ambassador at an invites only meeting in Manchester.<ref>[http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1105421_boosting_trade_with_pakistan Boosting trade with Pakistan] Manchester Evening News, 30 March 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1102730_trade_tsar_on_nw_mission Trade tsar on NW mission] Manchester Evening News, 17 March 2009</ref> The company announced plans to open stores in wealthy suburbs of the capital city Islamabad and the second city Karachi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tescopakistan.com/ |title=Tesco Pakistan |publisher=Tesco Pakistan |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> These new stores will be wholesale cash-and-carry businesses. They will compete with [[Makro]] and [[Carrefour]] who already operate in Pakistan and have done so for many years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.makropakistan.com/ |title=Makro Pakistan |publisher=Makro Pakistan |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> Tesco have not yet ruled out plans to open stores in an Express format, though this format would cater more towards the country's [[Economy of Pakistan#Growing middle class|growing middle class]].
====Poland====
[[Image:POL Prokocim Tesco.jpg|thumb|A Tesco Hypermarket in [[Prokocim]], Poland]]
Tesco entered the Polish market in 1992. It currently operates from 334 stores.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> Tesco Poland offers the value, healthy living and own branded line of products as well as regional produce, petrol, personal finance services and on-line [[photo]] processing.
====Slovakia====
[[File:Tesco Kamenné námestie.jpg|thumb|Tesco, Kamenné námestie, [[Bratislava]], Slovakia]]
Tesco [[Slovakia]] opened in 1996 as part of Tesco's international expansion aims. It now operates from 48 stores and has plans to introduce Tesco Express like local stores.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> Tesco Slovakia has recently put great emphasis on organic products. However, Tesco Slovakia caused controversy amongst the Slovak government when it was found to have come foul of [[food safety laws]] in 2006.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://www.cee-foodindustry.com/news/ng.asp?id=67411-tesco-cee-slovakia|title=Tesco falls foul of Slovak government|publisher=cee food industry|date=2 May 2006}}</ref> In the year 2010 were in Tesco Extra in [[Bratislava]] opened the first self-service cash flow, which is also the first of its kind in Central Europe.<ref>{{cite_news|url=http://corporate.itesco.sk/tlacova-sprava.html?id=50|title=The new format Tesco Extra comes to Slovakia|publisher=tesco slovakia|date=30 March 2010}}</ref>
====South Korea====
Tesco launched its South Korean operations in 1999 and partnered with [[Samsung]], currently Tesco holds 94% of the shares in the venture.<ref name=reuters>{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKSEO28008020080514 |title=E-Land in talk to sell stores to Tesco South Korea unit | Reuters |publisher=Uk.reuters.com |date=2008-05-14 |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> It operates both hypermarkets and its express format as well as a home delivery shopping service. It is the second largest retailer in South Korea, just behind [[Shinsegae|Shinsegae Group]].<ref name=reuters />
On 14 May 2008, Tesco agreed to purchase 36 hypermarkets with a combination of food and non-food products from [[E-Land]] for $1.9 billion (£976 million) in its biggest single acquisition, making Tesco the second largest in the country. The majority of the E-Land stores formerly belonged to French retailer [[Carrefour]] before 2006 and most of the stores will be converted to Tesco Homeplus outlets. Tesco's South Korean discount store chain, Home Plus, currently has 66 outlets.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://uk.reuters.com/article/mergersNews/idUKSEO28065320080514|title= Tesco to buy 36 S.Korean stores | date=14 May 2008 | work=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7399957.stm|title= Tesco set to grow in South Korea | work=BBC News | date=14 May 2008 | accessdate=6 January 2010}}</ref>
====Thailand====
{{Main|Tesco Lotus}}
[[File:Tesco-Lotus.jpg|right|thumb|Tesco-Lotus superstore in Sakon Nakon, Thailand. Shoppers have to pass through a checkpoint before entering the premises.]]
Tesco entered [[Thailand]] in 1998 and operates through 380 stores as part of a joint venture with [[Charoen Pokphand]] and named the operation Tesco Lotus. This partnership was dissolved in 2003 when Charoen Pokphand sold its shares to Tesco. Tesco Lotus sells a diverse range of products from value food products to electronics to personal finance services. The company is keen to promote its green values and has partnered with the [[United Nations Environment Programme|UNEP]]. Tesco Lotus claims to serve 20 million customers every month and that 97% of its goods are sourced from Thailand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tescolotus.net/company/keyfact.asp|title=Key facts about Tesco Lotus|publisher=Tesco Lotus|date=21 April 2008}}</ref>
====Turkey====
Tesco entered [[Turkey]] in 2003 and uses the trading name "Kipa". Tesco remains focused on building infrastructure in Turkey to complete its expansion plans and has already introduced the Tesco Express format into Turkey. There are plans to increase the rate of expansion as basic infrastructure is built.<ref name="autogenerated1" />
====United States of America====
[[Image:Fresh & Easy Las Vegas, Sun City Summerlin.jpg|right|thumb|A [[Fresh & Easy]] store in [[Summerlin, Nevada]], United States]]
{{Main|Fresh & Easy}}
In February 2006, Tesco announced its intention to move into the United States market, opening a chain of grocery convenience stores on the West Coast (Arizona, California and Nevada) in 2007 named [[Fresh & Easy]].<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.tescocorporate.com/page.aspx?pointerid=14163CB2412F41B1BD7765AC8DBE49EB| title = Tesco to enter United States| accessdate = 2006-03-13}}</ref> The company established its U.S. headquarters in El Segundo, California at 2120 Park Place. The first store opened in November 2007 with 100 more expected in the first year. They plan to open a new one every two-and-a-half days in the United States, to mimic the successful expansion of pharmacy chains such as [[Walgreens]] in the U.S.
The first Tesco Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets opened in [[Hemet, California|Hemet]] ([[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]), [[Anaheim, California|Anaheim]] ([[Orange County, California|Orange County]]), [[Arcadia, California|Arcadia]] ([[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]), [[West Covina, California|West Covina]] ([[Los Angeles County, California|Los Angeles County]]) and [[Upland, California|Upland]] ([[San Bernardino County, California|San Bernardino County]]), [[California]] in 2007.
Fresh & Easy operates more than 163 stores in the United States.
==Financial performance==
Tesco is listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]] under the symbol '''TSCO'''. It also has a secondary listing on the [[Irish Stock Exchange]] with the name '''TESCO PLC'''. It also trades on the [[NASDAQ]] under the symbol ''TESO''.
All figures below are for the Tesco's financial years, which run for 52 or 53 week periods to late February. Up to the 27 February 2007 period end the numbers include non-UK and Ireland results for the year ended on 31 December 2006 in the accounting year. The figures in the table below include 52 weeks/12 months of turnover for both sides of the business as this provides the best comparative.
{|align="right"| class="wikitable" style="margin:0 auto 0 auto"
! 52/3 weeks ended
! Turnover (£m)
! Profit before tax (£m)
! Profit for year (£m)
! Basic [[earnings per share]] (p)
|-
| 27 February 2010
| 62,500
| 3,200
|
| 29.02
|-
| 28 February 2009
| 54,300
| 3,128
| 3,090
| 28.92
|-
| 23 February 2008
| 47,298
| 2,803
| 2,130
| 26.95
|-
| 24 February 2007
| 46,600
| 2,653
| 1,899
| 22.36
|-
| 25 February 2006
| 38,300
| 2,210
| 1,576
| 19.70
|-
| 26 February 2005
| 33,974
| 1,962
| 1,366
| 17.44
|-
| 28 February 2004
| 30,814
| 1,600
| 1,100
| 15.05
|-
| 22 February 2003
| 26,337
| 1,361
| 946
| 13.54
|-
| 23 February 2002
| 23,653
| 1,201
| 830
| 12.05
|-
| 24 February 2001
| 20,988
| 1,054
| 767
| 11.29
|-
| 26 February 2000
| 18,796
| 933
| 674
| 10.07
|-
| 27 February 1999
| 17,158
| 842
| 606
| 9.14
|-
| 28 February 1998
| 16,452
| 760
| 532
| 8.12
|}
As of its 2006 year end Tesco was the fourth largest retailer in the world behind Wal-Mart, Carrefour and Home Depot. Tesco moved ahead of Home Depot during 2007, following the sale of Home Depot's professional supply division and a decline in the value of the U.S. dollar against the British Pound. [[METRO AG|METRO]] was only just behind and might move ahead again if the euro strengthens against the pound, but METRO's sales include many billions of [[wholesale]] turnover, and its retail turnover is much less than Tesco's.
At 24 February 2007 Tesco operated 1,988 stores in the UK (2.581 million m², 27.7 million square feet) and 1,275 outside the UK (3.75 million m², 40.4 million square feet).
Despite being in a recession, Tesco made record profits for a British company during the 2009 year up to February 2010. Underlying per-tax profits increased 10.1% to £3.4 billion. Tesco now plans to offer 16,000 new jobs, of which 9,000 will be in the UK.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/apr/20/tesco-rings-up-record-profits-again|title=Tesco rings up record profits|date=2010-04-20|publisher=Guardian News and Media Limited|accessdate=2010-04-20 | location=London | first=Graeme | last=Wearden}}</ref>
===UK market share===
[[Image:Tesco Market Share.jpg|thumb|right|Graph Showing UK Market Share of Tesco]]
According to [[TNS Worldpanel]],<ref>http://www.advfn.com/lse/ShareNews.asp?sharenews=TSCO&article=41054419&headline=tesco-uk-grocery-market-share-up-at-30-5-12-weeks-to-dec-27</ref> Tesco's share of the UK grocery market in the 12 weeks to 27 December 2009 was 30.5%, up 0.1% on 12 weeks to 27 December 2008 largely in line with the increase of the other four largest supermarkets. These increases follow a decline in the market share of discount chains [[Lidl]], [[Aldi]] and [[Netto (store)|Netto]] in the same period, collectively of 0.1%.
{|align="left"| class="wikitable" style="margin:0 auto 0 auto"
! Supermarket
! Market Share<br />December 2009
! +/- from<br />December 2008
|- style="background:#ff9;"
|| Tesco
|| 30.5%
|| {{increase}} 0.1%
|-
| [[Asda]]
| 16.9%
| {{increase}} 0.1%
|-
| [[Sainsbury's]]
| 16.3%
| {{increase}} 0.2%
|-
| [[Morrisons]]
| 12.3%
| {{increase}} 0.5%
|}
==Tesco litigation==
As with any large corporation, Tesco is involved in litigation, usually from claims of personal injury from customers, claims of unfair dismissal from staff, and other commercial matters. Two notable cases were ''[[Ward v Tesco Stores Ltd]]'', which set a precedent in so called 'trip or slip' injury claims against retailers; and ''[[Tesco Supermarkets Ltd v Nattrass]]'', which reached the [[House of Lords]], and became a leading case regarding the corporate liability of businesses for failures of their store managers (in a case of misleading advertising).
==Criticism==
{{Main|Criticism of Tesco}}
Tesco have been criticised for aggressively pursuing critics of the company in Thailand. Writer and former MP Jit Siratranont is facing up to two years in jail and a £16.4 million libel damages claim for saying that Tesco was expanding aggressively at the expense of small local retailers. Tesco served him with writs for criminal defamation and civil libel.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/apr/30/tesco.supermarkets|title= Writers criticise Tesco for 'chilling' Thai libel actions | location=London | date=30 April 2008 | work=The Guardian | first=Rob | last=Evans}}</ref>
Criticism of Tesco includes allegations of stifling competition due to its undeveloped "land bank",<ref>{{cite news|title= UK grocers face competition probe|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6287923.stm|publisher= BBC|date=2007-01-22|accessdate = 2007-02-21}}</ref> and breaching planning laws.<ref>{{cite news|title= Tesco 'breaching planning laws'|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5261844.stm|publisher= BBC|date=2006-08-18|accessdate = 2007-02-21}}</ref>
In December 2006 ''[[The Grocer]]'' magazine published a study which named Tesco as having the slowest checkouts of the six major supermarkets. Somerfield had the shortest queues with an average wait of 4 min 23 seconds. In order of least time spent at the checkout, the other major supermarkets were Waitrose, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons.<ref name="grocerqueues">{{cite news| title = Tesco Till 'Slowest'| url = http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_headline=tesco-till--slowest--&method=full&objectid=18289622&siteid=94762-name_page.html| work = The Mirror| publisher = Trinity Mirror|date=2006-12-20| accessdate = 2006-12-22}}</ref>
''The Grocer'' also named Asda as the cheapest UK supermarket (based on 33 items). Tesco was second and Sainsbury's and Morrisons joint third.<ref name="grocerqueues"/> Tesco price check tends to differ saying out of 7134 (compared to Asda) products, (Survey carried out between 9 July 2007 and 11 July 2007) Tesco is cheaper: 1835 (compared to 1251 the previous week), Tesco is more expensive: 975 (compared to 984 the previous week) and Tesco is the same price: 4324 (compared to 4996 the previous week).<ref name="tescopricecheck">{{cite news| title = Tesco.com Pricecheck| url = http://www.tesco.com/todayattesco/pricecheck.shtml| work = Tesco| publisher = Tesco|date=2007-07-11| accessdate = 2007-07-13}}</ref>
Tesco received criticism for bureaucratic and inflexible parking systems in its Bloomfield store in [[Dublin]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]].<ref name="parking">{{cite news|title=No budging on car park ticket|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/pricewatch/2008/0331/1206752247810.html|work=The Irish Times|date=2008-03-31|accessdate=2008-03-31}}</ref>
Tesco continues to advertise on [[Fox News]]'s controversial [[Glenn Beck Show]] despite 60 major US companies, and a number of UK companies, pulling their advertisements. The cancellations were largely a consequence of Beck's accusation that [[Barack Obama]] was racist and had a "deep-seated hatred for white people". In contrast, [[Waitrose]] has already ceased advertising on the show.<ref name="glennbeck">{{cite news| title = Diageo ends link with US TV host but Tesco stays | url = http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/diageo-ends-link-with-us-tv-host-but-tesco-stays-1798270.html|work = The Independent| date = 2009-10-06| accessdate = 2009-10-06 | location=London | first=James | last=Thompson}}</ref>
==Opposition to Tesco expansion==
Tesco's expansion has not been without criticism and, in some cases, active opposition.
*A 2006 article on the thisismoney website quoted various criticisms of the company's expansion and dominance of the UK supermarket scene.<ref>[http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=408450&in_page_id=2 Experts warn of Tesco expansion] Evening Standard, 21 April 2006</ref>
*In 2007 residents in the [[Hall Green]] area of [[Birmingham]] made their opposition strongly evident when Tesco announced plans to open a store in the [[Robin Hood]] area of the suburb. The Local Liberal Democrat councillor was actively involved in the opposition to the store opening on the grounds it would affect local businesses and therefore the consumer choice in the area. Tesco was given planning permission to open the store in April 2008 and plans were set up by residents to boycott the store and continue to use local outlets. Since opening Tesco's deliveries have caused major traffic problems in the area and [[Birmingham City Council]] have announced plans to put a loading ban into force between 7:00am and 10:00am to relieve congestion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://michaelwilkes.mycouncillor.org.uk/2009/01/ |title=Michael Wilkes » 2009 » January |publisher=Michaelwilkes.mycouncillor.org.uk |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref>
*In 2008, opposition to a proposed expansion in [[Coventry]] was reported in the ''Coventry Telegraph''.<ref>[http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/2008/07/18/mixed-reaction-to-tesco-expansion-at-cannon-park-coventry-92746-21364275/ Mixed reaction to Tesco expansion at Cannon Park, Coventry] Coventry Telegraph, 18 July 2008</ref>
*In 2007 residents of [[Cambridge]] organised a campaign, "No Mill Road Tesco", with the aim of preventing Tesco from opening a store on Cambridge's [[Mill Road, Cambridge|Mill Road]], a street running just to the south of the centre of Cambridge which is a lively, cosmopolitan area home to many independent shops, [[delicatessen]]s, [[cafe]]s and [[curry house]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nomillroadtesco.org/ |title=No Mill Road Tesco |publisher=No Mill Road Tesco |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> In March 2008, Tesco's application was refused by the council. Tesco appealed, but lost the appeal in November 2008.<ref>[http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_home/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=365818 Tesco appeals dismissed over Mill Road store] Cambridge Evening News, 12 November 2008</ref> The planning inspector dismissed the appeal on the grounds of highway safety.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nomillroadtesco.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/appeal1result.pdf |title=Appeal Decisions: Inquiry held on 30 September – 3 October 2008 |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2010-04-16}}</ref> In mid-2008, while waiting for the appeal to be heard, Tesco applied for planning permission for an air conditioning and refrigeration plant, which was also rejected by the council.<ref>[http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_home/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=336029 Denied: Tesco's Mill Road plan fails test] Cambridge Evening News, 1 August 2008</ref> Tesco eventually opened a restricted size store with no external refrigeration plant or alcohol license in August 2009.<ref>[http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_cambridge/displayarticle.asp?id=444630 New Tesco opens despite protesters] - Cambridge Evening News, 27 August 2009.</ref>
*In March 2007 residents in [[Bournville]], [[Birmingham]] fought to maintain the historic alcohol free status of the area, in winning a court battle with Tesco, to prevent it selling alcohol in its local outlet. No shops are permitted to sell alcohol in the area and there are no pubs, bars or fast-food outlets in [[Bournville]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/teetotal-bournville-takes-pledge-against-tesco-442048.html |title=Teetotal Bournville takes pledge against Tesco - This Britain, UK |publisher=The Independent |date=2007-03-27 |accessdate=2010-04-16 | location=London | first=Terry | last=Kirby}}</ref>
*Plans for a large Tesco store in [[St Albans]], [[Hertfordshire]], attracted widespread local opposition. This led to the formation of the "Stop St Albans Tesco Group". In June 2008, St Albans Council refused planning permission for the proposed store.<ref>[http://www.stalbansreview.co.uk/news/2371862.tesco_may_appeal/ Tesco may appeal] St Albans Review, 30 June 2008</ref>
*In 2008, Tesco faced opposition to plans to build a new store in Tonypandy, South Wales. Local business protested against the plans and Tesco was later refused planning permission by the local council.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/rhondda/2009/01/08/tesco-will-make-us-a-ghost-town-91466-22618667/ | title = ‘Tesco will make us a ghost town’ | work = WalesOnline | date = 8 January 2009 | first1 = Alex | last1 = Moore | first2 = Rhondda | last2 = Leader}}</ref> Tesco later said they would appeal to the Welsh assembly, However the result of this has not emerged.
*In 2009, Tesco received planning permission to build a Tesco Express store on [[Hope Street, Liverpool|Hope Street]], [[Liverpool]] despite there being a total of eight other Tesco stores (In Express, Metro and Superstore formats) within less than or equivalent to a mile from its proposed location.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.tesco.com/storeLocator/ | title = Tesco Store Locator | work = Tesco Online | date = 2 September 2009 | first1 = | last1 = | first2 = | last2 = }}</ref> This initiated a campaign in the local area<ref>{{cite news | url = http://hopestreet.co.uk/2009/08/poster-no-tesco-on-hope-street/ | title = No Tesco on Hope Street Poster | work = Hope Street Online | date = 2 September 2009 | first1 = | last1 = | first2 = | last2 = }}</ref> and a large Facebook group movement to prevent the construction going ahead.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=259254990413&ref=ts | title = There is just something plain WRONG about a Tesco on Hope Street | work = Facebook | date = 2 September 2009 | first1 = | last1 = | first2 = | last2 = }}</ref> Tesco withdrew the plans on 3 September 2009 due to widespread opposition and condemnation from local people.
Sheringham in Norfolk, has been fighting Tesco for over 13 years. Since 1997 Tesco have had four planning permissions rejected and an appeal thrown out by the planning inspector.
However the expansion of Tesco is not opposed by everyone. Plans for a new Tesco store in [[Immingham]], [[North East Lincolnshire]] were warmly received by the local council<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.nelincs.gov.uk/news/tescoimmingham.htm | title = Council welcomes proposal for Tesco supermarket at Kennedy Way, Immingham | publisher = North East Lincolnshire Council | date = 29 January 2009}}</ref> and by members of the public.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/news/Shopping-development-big-boost-Immingham/article-653146-detail/article.html | title = New Tesco plan is unveiled | date = 29 January 2009 | work = This is Grimsby}}</ref>
==Further reading==
{{Refbegin}}
*{{Cite book|title= Tiger by the Tail: A Life in Business from Tesco to Test Cricket|last= MacLaurin|first= Sir Ian|year= 1999|publisher= Pan Books|location= London|isbn=0330373714}}
*{{Cite book|title= Tescopoly: how one shop came out on top and why it matters|last= Simms|first= Andrew|year= 2007|publisher= Constable|location= London|isbn=1845295110}}
*{{Cite book|title= Scoring points : how Tesco continues to win customer loyalty|last= Humby|first= Clive|coauthors= Hunt, Terry & Phillips, Tim|year= 2006|publisher= Kogan Page|location= London & Philadelphia|isbn=9780749447526}}
*{{Cite book|title= Fair-Trade and the growth of ethical consumerism within the mainstream : an investigation into the Tesco consumer|last= Nash|first= Bethany|year= 2006|publisher= University of Leeds|location= Leeds|isbn=75272130}}
{{Refend}}
== Gallery ==
<Gallery>
File:Tesco, Burscough.JPG|Tesco in [[Burscough]], [[Lancashire]]
File:Baldock Tesco.jpg|Tesco supermarket, [[Baldock]], UK
File:Tesco's Superstore, Swindon - geograph.org.uk - 118815.jpg|Tesco superstore in [[Swindon]]
File:Praha, Národní třída, Tesco.jpg|Tesco Store at Národní Třída metro station, Prague
File:Tesco headquarters Czech.jpg|Czech Tesco headquarters, Prague
File:Tesco in Brno.jpg|Tesco [[Brno]]
File:Tesco Mikulov.jpg|Tesco [[Mikulov]], Czech Republic
File:Tesco Express - geograph.org.uk - 230620.jpg|Tesco Express near, [[Locks Heath]], [[Hampshire]], UK
File:TescoexpressArsenal.jpg|Tesco Express near [[Emirates Stadium]]
File:Northallerton Tesco.JPG|Tesco Store in [[Northallerton]], [[North Yorkshire]]
</Gallery>
==See also==
{{Portal box|Hertfordshire|Companies|Food}}
* [[List of supermarket chains in the United Kingdom]]
* [[Tescopoly]]
* [[TNS Worldpanel]]
* [[Tesco Town]]
{{-}}
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
==External links==
{{Commons category|Tesco}}
;Official
* [http://www.tesco.com Tesco UK]
* [http://www.tescoplc.com/ Tesco PLC]
* [http://www.tescocorporate.co.uk/ Tesco Corporate site]
;Critical sites
* [http://www.tescopoly.org/ Tescopoly.org], Coalition of campaign groups criticizing Tesco.
{{Tesco Plc}}
{{UK supermarkets}}
{{Convenience stores}}
{{FTSE 100 Index constituents}}
{{European Retail Round Table}}
{{Supermarkets in France}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2010}}
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