Tesco to try out a new format for its US stores

Tesco is planning to change the way its stores will look and operate in the US. The UK retailer will be opening stores later this year and industry observers say that the company is likley to get the right mix. According to Toronto based consultant at McMillan/Doolittle Ted Zittell, "Tesco has been doing an excellent job of throwing a bit of confusion into what people expect."

It's stores in the US will be called Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Markets and will be located in cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Diego. Tesco will be investing $484 million this year for its expansion to the US. Tesco's US stores will be a much need breath of fresh air in the cookie cutter chain stores of the US.

Industry experts have speculated the stores will closely model Tesco's popular Express stores and woo time-pressed shoppers looking for good food and a quick meal. Unlike U.S. convenience stores, Express emphasizes fresh foods and prepared meals. Industry observers expect the stores will be anywhere from 15,000 to 30,000 square feet.