In the world of customer relationships, Tesco is a leading light: and that is why they are successful. But in the world of’ ‘a certain type of journalist’ capitalism is the evil stalker. Stuck in a 20th century mindset, such people know little about judging the economics of good marketing, relationship building and social responsibility: as a result Tesco’s success is constantly denigrated. Here are some lines from a vitriolic weekend article:-

“It is here, in deliberately drab company headquarters, that a small clique of capitalists holds up a mirror to modern Britain. The reflection we see is not pretty.”

“A legion of grey suits commute in at the crack of dawn to scrutinise overnight till receipts for the first sign of a mass market mood change.”

“Tesco has invested in a carbon labelling scheme during the last few months. Of course, it’s all about as convincing as those fake Georgian clocktowers.”

Fortunately, Tesco’s hard work in building relationships and advocacy went into action in some of the comments to this piece.

“Tesco provide good value foods in an immense range. If you want to shop at your mucky expensive village Spar then go save it! Why do the same people who criticise them put up with a single monopoly in the NHS, the Police, Education and Local Government and the BBC? The state provides **** services at enormous rip off prices. “

“I tried my local shops: the butcher was closed at 2.40pm (presumably still on his lunch - there was no notice), the greengrocer had nice produce, but the assistant was stood outside talking to her boyfriend whilst several of us queued patiently. The local Post Office/newsagents staff were as miserable as sin. The local pharmacy (run by an Indian couple) was brilliant, offering home delivery. I am now back shopping at Tesco, except for medications and other sundries stocked by my local pharmacist. It’s called voting with your feet.”

“If you don’t want to buy at Tesco’s, don’t. Buy in small outlets, or farm shops, or Lidl or wherever, but please don’t tell everyone to stop shopping at Tesco just because you have a problem with them.”

Full article and comments.