Tesco PLC is a British multinational grocery and general merchandise retailer founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen in Hackney, London. Originally a market stall, the first Tesco store opened in 1931. The name "Tesco" came from combining the initials of a tea supplier, T.E. Stockwell, and the first two letters of Jack Cohen's last name. The company is headquartered in Welwyn Garden City, England. Tesco is a public company traded on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).
Tesco operates hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience shops, and online marketplaces. In addition to groceries, Tesco sells books, clothing, electronics, furniture, toys, petrol, financial services, and telecommunications. Ken Murphy has been the CEO since October 2020. In May 2025, Tesco named Ashwin Prasad as the new CEO for the UK and Ireland, effective June 30, 2025. Tesco is expanding its presence, planning to open 70 new Express stores across the UK by March 2027, including locations in Scotland, some of which will occupy former Amazon Fresh sites. As of October 2025, Tesco holds a 28.3% grocery market share in the UK.
