Tesco was founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen. He began by selling surplus groceries at the Well Street Market on the east side of London.
In 1929, the first Tesco store opened in Middlesex. In 1956, the first self service store opened in St Albans.
The company grew to over 800 stores by the end of the 1960s.
In 1987, the company completed a hostile takeover of Hilliards. In 1994, William Low chain was acquired and in 1997, Associated British Foods was purchased.
In 1995, Clubcard, a loyalty program, was introduced.
More acquisitions followed in the 2000s, including HIT Hypermarkets in Poland, T & S convenience stores and Adminstore.
Today, Tesco is the third largest retailer in the world and has over 6300 stores in 14 countries.
TescoTesco was founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen. He began by selling surplus groceries at the Well Street Market on the east side of London.
In 1929, the first Tesco store opened in Middlesex. In 1956, the first self service store opened in St Albans.
The company grew to over 800 stores by the end of the 1960s.
History
In 1987, the company completed a hostile takeover of Hilliards. In 1994, William Low chain was acquired and in 1997, Associated British Foods was purchased.
In 1995, Clubcard, a loyalty program, was introduced.
More acquisitions followed in the 2000s, including HIT Hypermarkets in Poland, T & S convenience stores and Adminstore.
Today, Tesco is the third largest retailer in the world and has over 6300 stores in 14 countries.