History of Tesco - Sir Jack Cohen

Before discussing the history of Tesco, consider its present circumstances. Tesco is Britain's largest food retailer, employing over 240,000 people worldwide and has net yearly profits of over £1 billion. Its website is one of the most popular in the UK, with over one million registered users.

The history of Tesco begins with with Jack Cohen's return from the First World War in 1919. He invested £30 on surplus food and opened a small stall in London's East End. Fans of BBC2's "The Apprentice" will know that Alan Sugar had a very similar start to the creation of his empire. 

Unlike Sir Alan Sugar, Sir Jack Cohen stuck with food retail. He consolidated his success by joining forces with T.E. Stockwell, and the name Tesco was born. The first shop with "Tesco" emblazoned above the window was opened in 1929.

By 1939 Jack Cohen has opened a hundred stores, and backed them up with his creative innovations in warehousing and stock control. At the start of World War II jack introduced food rationing before the government did to ensure that everyone received an equal and appropriate amount of food. This caring capitalism may go some way to explain the affection that working class people have maintained for the company. It shows that business is most effective when ethics and efficiency are combined.

• The history of Tesco since the second world war has been one of continuous expansion and success both in the UK and, more recently, in the new EU countries, including Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Hungary (Budapest).

©321books_{History of Tesco}