Tesco has celebrated 30 years of Tesco Express by opening a new store in Burnt Oak, North London. This new location holds special significance as it sits just steps away from where Tesco founder Jack Cohen opened the very first Tesco store in 1929.
This new Tesco Express is the company’s 2,882nd store in the UK. It also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the first Tesco Express stores, which opened in Barnes and Norbury in 1994. Since then, Tesco has grown its Express network to 2,074 stores, making convenience shopping a cornerstone of its success.
A Historic Return to Burnt Oak
The Burnt Oak Express opening is a symbolic move for Tesco. Kevin Tindall, Managing Director of UK Stores, said:
“I’m delighted that we have come full circle and returned to the street where it all began.”
Store Manager Rinkoo Kansara shared similar sentiments, acknowledging the importance of continuing Cohen’s legacy. “After learning that Jack Cohen opened his first store here, I quickly realised I had big boots to fill!” Kansara stated. The new store has recruited 19 colleagues to serve the local community, offering not just great products but also support through Tesco’s food donation programme.
Growing the Express Network
Tesco plans to add 150 more Express stores in the next three years, creating over 2,000 jobs across the UK. These smaller stores have been a key part of Tesco’s strategy to offer quick and convenient shopping to communities. Currently, 77% of the UK population lives within a 10-minute drive of a Tesco Express.
Tesco’s innovative services, like its Whoosh rapid delivery, now cover two-thirds of the UK. Whoosh uses the Express network to deliver groceries in as little as 20 minutes.
Supporting Customers with Better Value
Tesco recently announced price cuts on over 200 essential items at Express stores. Products like bread, milk, chicken, and coffee have seen prices drop by an average of 10%. These cuts aim to give customers better value during challenging times.
Reflecting on a Century of Tesco
Tesco began as a single stall in London’s East End in 1919, run by Jack Cohen using money saved from his military service. Cohen opened the first Tesco store in Burnt Oak in 1929, selling dry goods and Tesco’s first own-brand product, Tesco Tea.
From that humble start, Tesco has grown into the UK’s largest retailer, with over 3,600 stores and 300,000 employees. While the company continues to evolve, its return to Burnt Oak shows Tesco’s commitment to its roots and the communities it serves.
