Fair play Tesco

Topmanager

Fair play to Tesco for rolling the "change for good" programme to the rest of Ireland...

Heres a link: http://www.rte.ie/business/2009/0630/tesco.html

Sleepy

You're saying fair play for ripping us off for a decade and finally deciding to stop when their market-share is being gouged by the german discounters?

big b

are you enjoying working there?

jacool

they have only responded now that they are in trouble.
but isn't this just what market forces are all about ?
we could also hang our heads in shame for putting up with being ripped-off all along.
i don't think its the aldi/lidl axis that has changed things more the fact that people can see that across the border the exact same goods are for sale at at least 30% cheaper - that's what's pissing people off.

alan4cult

F$$k Tesco, they've just got caught in the fisherman's net and trying to keep the smile on their faces.

roosterman71

Aren't tesco making 1.5 times the profit in Ireland than anywhere else? So why applaud them for taking a cut after the years of lapping it up?

personally, it won't affect me. I find Tesco to be a shoddy place with shoddy products. I much prefer Dunnes

Wertz

Fair play to them yeah....enjoy your month of lower priced goods and then it's back to the steady creep back up the scale as they see fit. Trust me, I've been in the Dundalk store a few times over the last 2 months...very little that would stop me from heading down the North (although to be fair the amount/quality of own brand items they now stock has greatly improved) and it's still staffed by the same people who don't make the shopping experience an overly pleasant one.

That brings me to my next point...when sterling starts to rise again (as it is predcited to do so) I don't imagine Tesco will be long about passing the resulting price rises on Uk sourced goods on (as they are entitled to do)...we may in fact end up paying even more than we used to for some goods in the event of STG returning to the 70p/€ level...

[edit] I applaud Tesco's attempts to lower the prices to it's customers...but I doubt their sincerity and long term commitment to same.

spank_inferno

wont really affect me.
Tesco are a shoddy operation with filthy stores, inept staff, & produce of poor quality.
Its not just the price that makes me shop in lidl/Aldi

Time after time they are just better quality too.

so yeah.... f**k em

gurramok

They increased the prices on some products since they started the 'change for good' programme.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/0630/1224249781219.html

TESCO HAS increased prices on hundreds of food items just over a month after they were reduced as part of a heavily-promoted price-cutting campaign in some stores.

The country’s biggest retailer confirmed yesterday it had increased prices on about 200 lines in its “change for good” stores, which stock large numbers of products directly imported from the UK rather than sourced from Irish suppliers.

No surprise there, they always cut prices and then higher them again a month or two later, con artists.

axelgrease

Who is really paying for these cuts........Irish suppliers perhaps? Watch even more jobs go as the other big supermarkets follow Tesco

washiskin

The price increases are absolutely true.... switched to the new store in Drogheda before the price changes because Navan is such a kip.

After the big song and dance price changes, it was great ....really noticed the difference in the old phoca, but last weekend I twigged a lot of the stuff was put back up....slightly miffed to say the least as I really did believe in keeping my spending local and stayed away from "The North".

And then listening to their bigwig boss on Morning Ireland trying to justify it......they must think we're total daws.:mad:

sparklepants

Topmanager wrote: »

Fair play to Tesco for rolling the "change for good" programme to the rest of Ireland...

Heres a link: http://www.rte.ie/business/2009/0630/tesco.html

Oops, sorry! I thought I was in the politics forum.

BroomBurner

Do none of ye's shop around, then? Sure so what if some of their products have gone up in price, just buy the cheap stuff there and then shop in other places for the rest of it.

I caught the tail end of the news as Gaeilge there this evening and there was a report saying that the high cost of groceries and products in Ireland was a direct result of Irish people not shopping around. It was all our own fault for not shopping around. Actually, just read there, in the "why are we still being ripped off" thread djpbarry just mentioned the report and gives a link.

Maybe before Aldi and Lidl, we didn't have much choice, but now that we do, yeah, it is our fault if we don't shop around. Bit like whinging how expensive wine is from Spar but not bothering to look elsewhere...

Senna

They've already brought this into my Letterkenny store, many of the current reduced items were items that had price increase since xmas and new cheaper ranges are poorer quality. This is a pathetic attempt, yes the average shopping basket may cost the customer less now, but Tescos are still making just as much profit.

I really hoped the only good thing to come from this recession would be an end to the rip-off, but evident by letterkenny, shops are refusing to make the cuts and the masses are traveling to ASDA 20 minutes away.

Blue_Wolf

I don't like Tesco in general but their store in Maynooth is the biggest and nicest in Ireland. It's a good shopping experience and I did notice a huge price cut in their products. Which led to me buying stuff that I didn't need :rolleyes:

I have to agree with other posters though that I don't see this lasting. It will creep back up. May last until the end of the summer if even...

A spokesman for Tesco said on tv when asked why do you charge more in Ireland than in the Uk?

His response was: The Irish people are willing to pay more...

Times have changed and they know that so fingers crossed it will stay for quite a long long time

beggars_bush

Haven't they removed something like 2,000 IRISH MADE products from their shelves in the pats month alone? to make way for 'cheaper' UK products

I've noticed the change in the local Tesco where I occasionally shop. i'm going elsewhere.

axelgrease

axelgrease wrote: »

Who is really paying for these cuts........Irish suppliers perhaps? Watch even more jobs go as the other big supermarkets follow Tesco

That doesnt make economic sense. People need to realise that high prices dont equal more jobs. Its the opposite.

When prices are lower in Tescos people have more money left over to spend in the local economy. Boosting jobs.

beggars_bush

but the Irish producers have to shed jobs or go out of business??

byhookorbycrook

fair play and Tesco are words that don't go together, they admitted that they will be looking for suppliers to lower their own profit margins. That and all the Irish ranges they will no longer stock.

beggars_bush

beggars_bush wrote: »

but the Irish producers have to shed jobs or go out of business??

no they can reduce wages, things are cheaper now. Deflate and keep jobs or be stubborn and keep the higher wages and we end up with huge unemployment.

thebman

Blue_Wolf wrote: »

I don't like Tesco in general but their store in Maynooth is the biggest and nicest in Ireland. It's a good shopping experience and I did notice a huge price cut in their products. Which led to me buying stuff that I didn't need :rolleyes:

I have to agree with other posters though that I don't see this lasting. It will creep back up. May last until the end of the summer if even...

A spokesman for Tesco said on tv when asked why do you charge more in Ireland than in the Uk?

His response was: The Irish people are willing to pay more...

Times have changed and they know that so fingers crossed it will stay for quite a long long time

Maynooth Tesco has crap stock and half the self-service machines are out of order all the time and half the tills are closed.

Fruit and Veg is a joke in the place. Most of it is going off or bruised, torn open boxes etc...

eamonnm79

Tesco are pulling Irish produce off the shelves at a rate of knots. this will have a much bigger effect on employment than any employment issues within their employees. Am I the only one who thinks its time for a return of the CO-OP. We need some proper farmers markets and cut out Supermarkets. They are getting way too powerful.

Seth Brundle

I met with a large Irish food producer recently. Before Tesco's CFG they had about 180 different products on Tesco's shelves - now they can only get ab out 40-50 onto the shelver - the shelf space is now taken up with UK manufactured products. How many jobs will be lost as a result?

However, this has been largely driven by consumers heading to NI and buying UK products there - Tesco were handed the excuse to reduce Irish sourced stock.

Apparently, other Irish retailers are also considering something like the CFG!

djpbarry

beggars_bush wrote: »

but the Irish producers have to shed jobs or go out of business??

Maybe. Or maybe they have to ask themselves what the British suppliers are doing that they could do to make themselves more competitive.

getz

the main reason that tesco are dearer in ireland, than the rest of the UK is, that because you havent got a asda or a morrisons, means that they have no competition,to keep down the prices.

Wertz

djpbarry wrote: »

Maybe. Or maybe they have to ask themselves what the British suppliers are doing that they could do to make themselves more competitive.

Whilst I agree with this, it's kind of obvious that a fairly large factor in that part is the difference in minimum wage and wage rates as a whole.
There is also the economy of scale argument; it's cheaper to produce goods (in this case food) on a larger scale, for a larger market...then there's the cost of distribution...the UK has a higher population density than us so it works out cheaper to get that product on to the shelves from the supplier or warehouse.

djpbarry

Wertz wrote: »

Whilst I agree with this, it's kind of obvious that a fairly large factor in that part is the difference in minimum wage and wage rates as a whole.
There is also the economy of scale argument; it's cheaper to produce goods (in this case food) on a larger scale, for a larger market...then there's the cost of distribution...the UK has a higher population density than us so it works out cheaper to get that product on to the shelves from the supplier or warehouse.

True, but there are other factors, such as the fact that UK suppliers have to buy their raw materials with devalued sterling.

If people are prepared to pay a little extra to keep Irish suppliers going, then fair enough, but it's unrealistic to expect supermarkets (or any other business) to do the same. But the possibility that certain Irish businesses are not/no longer economically viable should also be considered.

spank_inferno

I was listening to a Farmer representative on the Last word last night and I couldnt get over the ineptitude.

It is wrong that the big supermarkets are squeezing farmers more and more who do provide a good product.

But Mr Farmer.... please.... if you dont like selling to tesco, then sell to me!!
I'll purchase your chicken, I'll purchase your red meats, fruits and veg.

If the suppliers of foods in Ireland could just think outside their little box for a second they can see that we dont need the likes of Tesco selling us what they feel we would like to have (eg 400g of perfectly shaped but tasteless beef chunks for €5). Or a fruit n'veg range that looked like it was picked 2 months ago.

I'd love to see the farmers of my county (wicklow) bring their produce to the consumer.

But instead the "Farmers Markets" end up being like a bric n'brac for posh nobs, more interested in hyper priced organic cakes than buying a 4stone bag of spuds.

Sell to me suppliers of Ireland.... I'm ready and willing to spend.

Ranting like this makes me start to think the suppliers/farmers are just whinging, & are happy to get what they can from the likes of tesco and just farm their EU payments.

</rant>

Wertz

spank_inferno wrote: »

I'd love to see the farmers of my county (wicklow) bring their produce to the consumer.

But instead the "Farmers Markets" end up being like a bric n'brac for posh nobs, more interested in hyper priced organic cakes than buying a 4stone bag of spuds.

So true. Any farmers market I've gone to was full of overpriced jam, a measly selection of fruit and baked goods...nopt somewhere where you're going to walk away with the makings of a week's meals...
Someone mentioned the co-op system above and that's definitely how it needs to go for the good of both consumers and producers. Tesco are quick enough to cut out the middleman...maybe it's trime to do the same to them...

Blue_Wolf

People complain that we are paying higher prices than the Uk stores and now that they are reducing the irish range so we get cheaper prices we are still not happy?

From what i understand and I may be wrong but the UK suppliers are a lot bigger, the produce and sell a lot more than the Irish ones and there for can sell at a cheaper price to Tesco hense lower prices. Whereas the Irish suppliers can't compete.

We can't have it all. Either we pay higher prices and have "some" of the money going to Irish suppliers or pay less and get it from UK suppliers. Irish suppliers have been squeezed enough as it is and it's not feasilble/profitable for them to reduce their prices anymore....

Blue_Wolf

Supervalu seem to have cut back a lot of prices recently and they are staying open later. Their range is not as good though is it?

At least their tills are generally all open

big b

Blue_Wolf wrote: »

Supervalu seem to have cut back a lot of prices recently and they are staying open later. Their range is not as good though is it?

At least their tills are generally all open

Yeah, we had a 4-page ad for Supervalu in our local paper this week, boasting that they've reduced the price of a "typical weeks' shop" by over €30.
So, they've been gouging us too, and want to be congratulated for reducing prices now.
Funny thing is, Tesco got absolutely slated in several forums about how they're only reducing prices now, but no-one seems to have the same anger for Supervalu?

gurramok

We have to wait and see if Supervalu put their prices back up just like Tesco has done for years.
Also, have Supervalu dropped Irish lines just like Tesco done hence the controversy?

Blue_Wolf

It's really Musgraves that are at fault for that as opposed to Supervalu. Maybe Musgraves have signed a new contract and consequently have bigger buying power now. Maybe that's giving them the benefit of the doubt...:rolleyes:

Jip

big b wrote: »

Funny thing is, Tesco got absolutely slated in several forums about how they're only reducing prices now, but no-one seems to have the same anger for Supervalu?

That's the point I made several times over in all the various Tesco threads over the past few months. There's outrage with Tesco but not a peep about Dunnes, Superquinn or the musgrave group who do the vey same thing.

big b

gurramok wrote: »

We have to wait and see if Supervalu put their prices back up just like Tesco has done for years.
Also, have Supervalu dropped Irish lines just like Tesco done hence the controversy?

Unless things have changed A LOT at Supervalu recently, the prices will indeed creep back up.
As for the Irish lines - if the price was right, we'd still be buying Irish. As far as I can see, Tesco were reacting to us lot heading North to shop. Which we were, and weren't asking too many questions about Irish produce, I suspect.

Tesco/shell/macdonalds.....some companies are just damned if they do & damned if they don't.

slimjimmc

getz wrote: »

the main reason that tesco are dearer in ireland, than the rest of the UK is, that because you havent got a asda or a morrisons, means that they have no competition,to keep down the prices.

When did this happen??? I haven't watched the news all week and we've suddenly joined the UK :eek:


I've stopped shopping in Tesco ever since their policy if dropping Irish produce. I go to SuperValue or SuperQuinn more now. It costs a little more but not as much as you'd think. Anyways I'd much rather pay an extra fiver for someones wage than pay an extra tenner for someones dole.

gurramok

big b wrote: »

Unless things have changed A LOT at Supervalu recently, the prices will indeed creep back up.
As for the Irish lines - if the price was right, we'd still be buying Irish. As far as I can see, Tesco were reacting to us lot heading North to shop. Which we were, and weren't asking too many questions about Irish produce, I suspect.

Tesco/shell/macdonalds.....some companies are just damned if they do & damned if they don't.

I'd buy 10% overpriced Irish goods, not 30%-50% as is the case of some items now!
I speak as a regular nordie shopper. Haven't visited up north in 2 months due to price cuts here so fingers crossed they all(Tesco/Supervalu/Dunnes etc) keep their price cuts for a long time.

cfcj

big b wrote: »

Tesco/shell/macdonalds.....some companies are just damned if they do & damned if they don't.

lol, yea those companies that are always weighted down by the critics for no reason. They really can't win sure they cant. And all then they have to spend all this money on PR companies to tell us they are a good company... yet the pesky old media have to go and dig up the dirt and ruin it. I agree its just not fair!!! lol... get real!!!

cfcj

slimjimmc wrote: »

When did this happen??? I haven't watched the news all week and we've suddenly joined the UK :eek:


I've stopped shopping in Tesco ever since their policy if dropping Irish produce. I go to SuperValue or SuperQuinn more now. It costs a little more but not as much as you'd think. Anyways I'd much rather pay an extra fiver for someones wage than pay an extra tenner for someones dole.

I think that there is that the agenda for a lot on here is that we would rejoin the UK. Is Irish independence eroding? media and retail are already controlled out of London so what next?

Thankfully you are looking beyond the price, there is people who clearly don't... yet are blogging elsewhere wondering why is there no jobs in Ireland and blaming the government for causing the world economic meltdown.

I have learn't that there is a laziness with regard to consumerism in Ireland, the media don't expose anything dodgy going on and the consumers don't question it. Prices rocketed because we had rapid growth within the economy coupled with a new currency which almost increased prices generally over night. Thing is that supermarkets aint the only place you can buy your groceries... and not everyone is ripping you off. The madness of why we need supermarkets and hypermarkets bigger than any in the UK is beyond me and to the detriment of any smaller competition. Then the complaints come in that the supermarkets are overcharging. In a weird way, although I detest Tesco and all the dodgy practices they engage in, I think that maybe it will be a good wake up call when suddenly there isn't much else left than the self service tills at Tesco and if they follow on from the CD, Video & Books vending machines maybe food will also be from vending machines. But as long as there is clubpoints then its all good right? lol

darcy.jonny

tbh at lest there responding to this situation were in .

they did rip us off for years but hay , superquinn dunnes etc were no better ,,,,,,,,,,

all tesco are doing is being business savy and so they should its a business after all that requires profit to exist

as far as irish manufactors go .............. high wage costs and in some cases sub standard products compared to else where

when we come out of this recession (if ever) the only good we can take from it might just be that in this country only the compamies that will offer decent priced , good quality products , good servies will survive .
to many years have we put up with bad goods and shoody services

deelite

As a mum of three I do shop around - last week I had to go around Tesco Clearwater three times to find what stock was actually reduced. Huge reductions on the sweet aisle - just cant find a dinner recipe to use the sweets in. The store was closed for 2 days and to be honest the only difference I found was that it's an awful lot tidier.


I use Tesco like my mother used the "van shop" (20 years ago) - only if I'm really stuck for bread and milk. It's way too expensive.

djpbarry

cfcj wrote: »

I think that there is that the agenda for a lot on here is that we would rejoin the UK.

Everyone should do their patriotic duty and shop in Irish outlets, eh?

If anyone has an agenda, it’s you (clearly evident in this thread).

Jip

Where's the outrage against Boots ? Was in a branch yesterday evening and the stock produced be Coca-Cola is sourced from the UK, it's fairly obvious as the Coke bottles have "Made in GB", it's still also produced in Irelans isn't it ? That's just one thing I looked at, I'm sure there must be alot more.

cfcj

djpbarry wrote: »

Everyone should do their patriotic duty and shop in Irish outlets, eh?.

Thats for you to decide. I welcome in fair competition and support Irish jobs. I also believe in looking past this weeks shopping basket and thinking of the sustained Irish job market, suppliers and retailers.

djpbarry wrote: »

If anyone has an agenda, it’s you (clearly evident in this thread).

and what is my agenda? please expose me...... ohhh and while your at it let everyone know if you have any special reason to conceal and defend Tesco.

djpbarry

cfcj wrote: »

I also believe in looking past this weeks shopping basket and thinking of the sustained Irish job market, suppliers and retailers.

Meaning what? You’ll pay more to keep Irish businesses from going out of business? Thus perpetuating a high-cost economy? That makes sense.

jenzz

This is prob off topic..... Im finally refusing to do my shop in Tesco any more. Im doing the greengrocer & the butcher. Anything else ill go to the corner shop. Or ill starve.

Tesco Bray is getting ripped apart at the moment & every one of the ripper-aparters are non Irish workers. The all had very strong UK accents. I have decided enough is enough. The country is on its knees & they let 140 staff go in Dun Laoghaire HO & the people they hire to redo the shops arent even Irish. The profits i have been paying them are now lining the coffers of a government somewhere else.

That its.. No more

djpbarry

jenzz wrote: »

The country is on its knees & they let 140 staff go in Dun Laoghaire HO & the people they hire to redo the shops arent even Irish.

When did it become a requirement that every business in this country must "hire Irish"?

cfcj

djpbarry wrote: »

Meaning what? You’ll pay more to keep Irish businesses from going out of business? Thus perpetuating a high-cost economy? That makes sense.

I think I have answered that question quite substantially in the thread you have already mentioned. Please answer my question first though...

bladespin

Quite happy with Tesco, average bill is down €30 since they changed over, looking through this thread I wonder why some have such a negative opinion especially seeing how most of them don't even shop there in the first place, how can you have an opinion if you don't?

cfcj

djpbarry wrote: »

When did it become a requirement that every business in this country must "hire Irish"?

I don't believe that was his point at all, you seem to attack will your ill informed views. Hows about reading what is actually being said before you return a very charged defensive response.