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Do you think that shoppers have changed aliegence from Tesco to other stores because they now confirm that the "low" prices are really high, or are there other reasons?
I think that you have answered the question greydo, Tesco are not the cheapest or the most interesting offer at the moment and shoppers are quick to realise that fact.
I only buy branded goods that I know are cheaper than our local alternative, Waitrose. A couple of years ago I bought some Seville oranges and discovered after only a few days that one or two were mouldy. I used the rest but, 'cos I'd used them they wouldn't give me anything back.
I picked up a new bag and, as I headed for the counter, noticed that there was a mouldy one in it and it was the last bag. I asked if they would give me a discount. Oh no they said we can't sell that.
Last year I made sure that I went into Waitrose as soon as the Seville oranges arrived, safe in the knowledge that, if any were mouldy, I would not only get the full price back but be given a free one as well. They know how to look after their customers.
Unlike the Tesco staff most of them have been there for yonks and they are always helpful.
Having said that Tesco is an incredibly efficient organisation in many ways.
You are fortunate, AlwynP to live near Waitrose- the supermarket Mecca! I agree staff there are really helpful, and it is always a pleasure to shop at Waitrose.
I couldn't agree more about the staff at Tesco's, rude, arrogant and totally disinterested in providing any real customer focused service and as for their managers...they make my blood boil. They are so pompous and conceited.
I'm hoping that this loss, which has wiped £5 Billion of their share price, will serve as a wake up call to their arrogant ways and that rather than place their own interests at the heart of the shopping experience they begin to focus more upon the customer.
It was great to see their current Chief Executive blame the previous management system for the ills of the company. I'm sure the much lauded and multi-millionaire Sir Terry Leahy will take some offence at that remark.
I cannot really comment on Tesco as with there not one being in my area I tend to use either Asda or Morrisons. Talking of rudeness I was in my local Asda and wanted some medication which I have used for years but couldn't see. Seeing an assistant I asked nicely if she knew if there was any elsewhere to where I was looking. She gave me such a mucky look and said "never heard of it" and then
completely ignored me. Thank you for your help I couldn't resist saying.
I went to a village chemist and although they didn't have the exact named item they quickly offered me an alternative with a lovely smile and said they would try and get me the product in.
I had a look on Amazon in the evening and there it was. So ordered it from there.
I haven't got a waitrose near me unfortunately, and my closest is Tesco. Have to say though, I've never had a problem with getting things changed. Maybe its because its a small shop rather than a huge superstore?
My local Tesco is a medium sized one rather than a huge superstore and the staff are very friendly and helpful.
I don't think it's a question of change of alliegance, I really think its more about people actually not having the money to spend. I regularly use Tescos in my home market town as they are open until midnight and I often work until 9pm. I have little alliegance, if any, to them but sadly they are a platform to serve and provide but that is all ... and there is no doubt just how expensive they are as are most other supermarkets. There has never been a low price policy at Tescos, their whole infrastructure and need for unfailing profit dictates otherwise. This is why they thrive like rabbits.
The statement about reduced profits is interesting ... what will happen if it continues? Will Tesco inflate prices to bolster ailing profits or reduce markedly to encourage trade? Or will we eventually see a reduction in their portfolio.
But as I have always said, it couldn't happen to a nicer company. And I still have this vision for the next ten years where we will see a shift away from the brightly lit, acres of floorspace, colourful supermarkets to much more utilitarian shopping areas without the bells and whistles that will exist on a stack em high and sell em cheap scenario. IF the public actually knew Tesco's mark up on everything they sell, you would never shop there again. Corporate greed is a major factor in the current austere conditions.
Well, Snoopy48, what a well organised reply! Very astute. I wonder what the profit margins are. Any one know?
I once knew a sales director for the company that installs and services the passport photo machines in Tesco stores ( among others ) and whereas the normal agreed commission for the store was 10-15% of the 'take', the imperial Tesco PLC demanded 51% otherwise they refused to do business. That's was I call corporate greed and an almost bullying attitude from Tesco based on their perceived market power. This bubble simply has to burst.
I think that's a truth rather than a perception Feline.
I think you're right, Sidesalad.
I agree. Tesco's are overpriced. Prefer to shop in Aldi and Iceland personally as there's not a nearby Asda :(
I like Aldi too, and Lidl
They're amazing at Christmas with all the continental goodies. So much nicer than the usual stuff the big three run out every Christmas.
We don't have an Aldi near me and I'm envious now as it sounds really good.
I love going for a diddle at lidl...
Best food by far!!!
Aldi and Lidl are the ones now....
I used to use Aldi and Lidl all the time when I lived in Germany, but I don't have an Aldi or a Lidl near me here.
That's a shame fruitcake! Mine are both smallish shops but I manage to get most things there.
Not good for my shares - bummer a good few hundred quid gone in a day!
grrrrrrrr
I luvv Tesco,,,
In Eastern Europe they are the dogs ballast!!!
But yes in this country the pricing is a bit strange.
It's an over-reaction OD, the price will bounce back
I'm not sure that they will return to the levels they have been at. Not if the actions of their UK Chief Operating Officer, Noel Robbins, is an indicator!
Embarrassingly for Mr Robbins - the man who controls every Tesco store in the UK - those top bosses didn't make him privy to the information which would surely have prevented him selling £200,000 worth of shares.
Under FSA rules, no shares can be bought or sold by senior executives 30 days before any significant company announcement.
The question for the City watchdog is whether Tesco should have informed the regulator that it was about to upgrade a Christmas trading update into a major market moving statement and thereby ban any of its bosses from trading in the company's stock.
Absolutely, Parchy.
I was gobsmacked to hear that he had done that and said he didn't know the facts.
There are two possible scenarios here, either he did know, in which case he's a crook, or he didn't know in which case he's not worthy of his job title and should be sacked for gross inefficiency.
My exact thoughts, Sis! :-)
Why aren't the Sisters running the world, fruits?
Damn...you mean we don't...??!!
Give it time, Sis!
My hubby thinks a woman should rule this Country as they would be far better at it then what we have now. I couldn't believe what he was saying but he thinks women are far more able to rule the Country than a man. Now just wait for the fat to hit the pan.
Of course we have tried that with Maggie - but she was an honorary man!
Too true, Sidesalad!
Crook it seems all these overpaid execs are crooks.
A very well learned gentleman in the last compnay i worked for told me that all millionaire businessmen got where they are because they have some element of criminality.
It seems Dennis you are right but then its kinda obvious really if you think about it.
Whover is in charge of running TESCO ,has really sent it down the muddy road
Yes I very rarely go to TEsco now ...Once it was my prime shop ....The way they price things is very misleading and I was told by a manager ...THAT WAS THEIR POLICY >>>WELL FINE NOW CHANGE THE POLICY ...Or dont they have the brains to know they can change POLICIES.....
At christmas my neighbour found she was overcharged for items ,but the price was advertising something else on the next shelf...
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I thankyou, sidesalad! I was alluding more to a swing (hopefully) to the high street shops, and customers realising that these points cards are not "free!" It really bothers me that Tesco's success is partly due to awful business terms and conditions foisted on suppliers.That is not widely recorded. We all use Tesco, but perhaps less, now. Thanks again.
So right about squeezing suppliers greydo. It is justified by them saying it helps the shopper but more like the chief exec and the shareholders!
I agree with both you and greydo here, Sidesalad, Tesco squeeze their suppliers till their pips squeak, apparently (??) for 'our' benefit! I'm not convinced.