Jack Cohen founded the supermarket giant 100 years ago – and he came up with a very clever way of naming the brand that we still see today.
Many of us probably never think of the true meaning behind a logo or brand name. Whilst most of us simply pop in for our weekly grocery haul, it emerges there’s far more to the Tesco brand identity than meets the eye.
The brand itself stretches back a century, originally established in 1919 by Jack Cohen. He initially launched the venture as a market stall in Hackney, east London.
Subsequently in 1924, Jack obtained and introduced the firm’s inaugural own-label product – tea.
The tea came courtesy of Thomas Edward Stockwell, a designation Tesco continues to employ today, reports the Express.
Jack merged Stockwell’s initials with the opening two letters of his surname to christen it Tesco Tea.
Consequently it appears the name Tesco essentially remained despite the supermarket brand not launching a physical store until 1929.
Incidentally, the inaugural shop opened in Burnt Oak in Edgware where their merchandise was restricted, exclusively retailing dried food and naturally the very first item they stocked, tea.
It wouldn’t be until 1958 that Tesco would launch its initial supermarket in Maldon, Essex.
The brand has proceeded to establish supermarkets across five nations; the UK, Ireland, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic.
Right now, thousands of households up and down the UK are being handed supermarket vouchers worth up to £180 this month.
The Household Support Fund is once again distributing vouchers for supermarkets like Tesco, Iceland, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Aldi among others to help families meet the cost of living.
The scheme is funded by the DWP (Department for Work and Pension) but the money is given to local councils to spend how they see fit, and in turn, the authorities create their own eligibility schemes to distribute the money to those in need.
Some councils choose to give the money to those on benefits, while others target low incomes or families with debts.
During the summer holidays, when kids won’t be able to get free school meals, many councils are instead handing supermarket shopping vouchers to families to help them make ends meet.
Every council has its own eligibility criteria, so it’s worth checking with your local council to see what you may be able to get and how to get it.
The government says: “You may be able to get help with essential costs from your local council. This is sometimes known as ‘the Household Support Fund’.
“This could help if you’re struggling to afford things like: energy and water bills; food; essential items. Your council may also offer food vouchers to families during the school holidays.
“Councils decide how to run their schemes. There may be differences in eligibility criteria; if or how you need to apply; who money is given to. To check if you can get support, you can use the government’s tool here.”