People are only just realising what Tesco stands for and it's mind boggling

Many have only recently discovered the true meaning behind the Tesco name, and they're in awe of its history.

Tesco, a giant among British retailers, is a mainstay for millions who visit their local branches for weekly grocery shopping.

Its trademark logo with striking red letters has established itself on our high streets, yet not many have taken the time to consider the history behind the brand.

Tesco's intriguing moniker story has now gripped customers. The supermarkets roots extend back to its founder, Jack Cohen, who set the cornerstone for the store in 1919.

He was the son of Polish Jewish immigrants who started off peddling various items from a stand in Hackney, London.

Cohen had used his demobilisation funds, earned during his service with the Royal Flying Corp during the First World War, to procure stock for his stall on its inaugural day, reports the Express.

The origin of the Tesco name dates back to 1923, when Cohen purchased a tea consignment from one Thomas Edward Stockwell. The brand name TESCO came into being when Cohen combined the initials of his supplier with the first two characters of his own surname, according to Mirror reports.

In 1929, Cohen launched his first physical store, situated in Edgware, North London. From this humble point of departure, the Tesco name proliferated and by 1939, Cohen was at the helm of 100 stores.

The very first Tesco supermarket surfaced in 1958 when Cohen inaugurated an outlet in Essex.

The metamorphosis of the Tesco franchise from small-scale shops to sprawling supermarkets is carefully documented on the companys website: "The new format store included a counter service selling cheese, butter and meats weighed by sales assistants."

Since the founder's death in 1979, his legacy continues to be felt as Tesco's presence is widespread across the UK, with more than 4,000 stores.

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