Amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, Tesco is set to transform its Express stores by introducing more affordable products, many of which are from its own-brand range.
- The grocery giant is replacing 50 everyday items with cheaper alternatives, significantly lowering prices for customers.
- New research revealed that the supermarket’s convenience stores are lacking budget-friendly options in vulnerable UK areas.
- The change is expected to have items average over 40% cheaper with several less than a third of the price.
- Tesco aims to support approximately 2,000 communities across the UK by making healthy food more accessible.
Amidst the escalating cost-of-living crisis, Tesco is taking decisive action by overhauling its Express store offerings. The retail giant will integrate more budget-friendly products into its inventory, with a primary focus on introducing its own-brand alternatives. This initiative will involve replacing 50 everyday items with more affordable options, aiming to relieve financial pressure faced by many families.
This strategic move comes in the wake of a study conducted by the consumer watchdog, Which?, which highlighted the scarcity of budget grocery items in supermarket convenience stores, particularly in vulnerable areas across the UK. The study, which included visits to 35 convenience stores such as Morrisons Daily, Sainsbury’s Local, and Tesco Express, found that a significant number of these stores did not stock essential low-cost products.
Tesco’s new range, featuring items such as Tesco penne pasta priced at 85p and Tesco smooth peanut butter at £1.65, will offer consumers significant savings. These own-brand items are on average more than 40% cheaper than what they replace, delivering exceptional value to shoppers. In particular, some of these items are available at less than a third of the original price, reflecting Tesco’s commitment to economic accessibility.
Notable reductions include Tesco frozen garden peas at £1.65, which are almost 40% cheaper than their branded predecessors. Also, essential items like toothpaste and nappies will see a price reduction of as much as 40%, providing critical savings for households.
Sarah Lawler, Tesco’s Convenience Managing Director, emphasized the retailer’s commitment by stating, “We know customers are watching every penny at the moment, so we hope these helpful product swaps will bring down food bills for even more families.” Lawler affirmed that while shelf space in Express stores is limited compared to larger outlets, these strategic product swaps allow for a broader range of cost-effective own-brand options.
Tesco’s move is seen as a crucial step towards increasing the availability of affordable groceries, ensuring that the supermarket remains a central resource for approximately 2,000 communities across the UK.
Tesco’s initiative marks a significant stride towards affordability, providing vital support to many UK households.