Introduction
Strategy can be defined in various ways depending on the approach taken. According to Mintzberg, Ahlstrand and Lampel (1998), strategy can be defined as a plan or a set of rules that have been created to guide the handling a specific situation. As a pattern, strategy is a “stream of actions” meaning that it comprises of a consistent behavioral pattern, whether conscious or sub-consciously (Harrigan, 2006). Tesco is the leading grocery and general merchandise retailer in the UK and has expanded to become a global brand (Tesco PLC, 2013). The report analyses the Company’s growth strategy in capturing the local and global retail market.
Overview of the Company
Tesco is a grocery as well as general merchandise global retailer that is ranked second in terms of profit globally. In the United Kingdom, the organization has a 30% market share and is located across 14 countries in Asia, Europe and North America. Founded in 1919 by Jack Cohen, the business started as a retailer in grocery but later expanded to supply a wide range of products (Tesco Plc, 2012). Among the variety of products and services offered is groceries, which was the original merchandise. Over the years, it has increased its products to include books, furniture, electronic products, clothing, internet services, home entertainment, financial services, petrol and other general merchandise (Datamonitor, 2010). Tesco stores are categorized into six formats which determine the type of product sold in them. This includes Tesco Extra, Tesco Metro, Tesco Home plus, Tesco Superstores, Tesco Express and One Stop. Additionally, the company runs the Dobbies Garden Stores, Harris and Hoole coffee shops, Tesco Bank, Tesco Mobile, Beauty salons and an internet shopping website (Tesco PLC, 2013).
The company has approximately 520,000 employees who serve million of customers in the company’s ever bus stores (Tesco PLC, 2013). Moreover, it occasionally undertakes
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