Tesco to simplify store operations with focus on Metro

The changes in the Metro stores will be focused on better tailoring them to how the customers shop, said Tesco in a press release. The Metro format was originally designed for larger, weekly shops, but today nearly 70 per cent of customers use them as convenience stores, buying food for that day. Therefore Tesco is simplifying the way it runs its Metro stores, with changes including: faster and simpler ways of filling shelves, with fewer products stored in back rooms and more stock going straight to the shop floor; colleagues working more flexibly across the store to improve customer service at the busiest times of the day and in the right areas of the store; and a leaner management structure, as it simplifies Tesco's ways of working.

Tesco is also making some small changes in 134 of its 1,750 Express stores, where customer footfall is lower. Changes in these stores will include a slight reduction in opening hours during quieter trading periods at the start and end of the day, and simplifying stock routines.

There will also be some localised changes in some large stores, which will see the company streamlining operational routines, including its processes for moving stock around the store and filling shelves. Tesco's priority now is to support affected employees, helping find alternative roles within Tesco for as many as possible. The company expects that these changes will lead to an overall reduction of around 4,500 employees.

"In a challenging, evolving retail environment, with increasing cost pressures, we have to continue to review the way we run our stores to ensure we reflect the way our customers are shopping and do so in the most efficient way. We do not take any decision which impacts colleagues lightly, but have to make sure we remain relevant for customers and operate a sustainable business now and in the future," said Jason Tarry, UK & ROI CEO of Tesco. (PC)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India