Tesco, one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, is a household name, but few people know the history behind its title. With its iconic red logo and blue underline seen in towns and cities across the country, the origin of the name is often overlooked.
Unlike some retailers whose names are immediately linked to their founders, such as Sainsbury’s or Marks & Spencer, Tesco’s story traces back to an entrepreneurial figure whose legacy continues to shape the brand today.
Sainsbury’s, for example, was named after John James and Mary Ann Sainsbury, who opened their first store in 1869 on Drury Lane, London. Similarly, Marks & Spencer’s title comes from the partnership between Michael Marks, a Polish immigrant to the UK, and Thomas Spencer, a Yorkshire-born cashier. Together, they built what is now one of the most well-known high street retailers in the UK.
Tesco’s name also has roots in a founder’s legacy, dating back to the early 20th century. The supermarket chain was established by Jack Cohen, the son of Jewish migrants from Poland, who began selling groceries from a market stall in London. The name “Tesco” was first used in 1924 when Cohen combined the initials of his supplier, T.E. Stockwell, with the first two letters of his own surname.
Cohen’s vision for expanding his small grocery business helped Tesco grow into one of the UK’s leading supermarket brands, known today for its wide reach and influence in the retail sector.
For more insights into the history of the UK’s biggest retailers and their origins, keep following London Pulse News.
