Tesco to offer free wi-fi as part of new growth plan

Tesco is to offer free wi-fi instore in a bid to stay in touch with changing shopping habits.

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The retailer plans to trial the service – aimed primarily at shoppers who want to compare prices and read product reviews while they shop.

The move by the UK’s biggest supermarket is part of a strategy to breathe new life into its domestic business under new chief executive Phillip Clarke.

Tesco claims it is the first UK supermarket to launch wi-fi in stores but rival Sainsbury’s says it has offered free wi-fi for customers at three stores since the start of this year.

Although it has held onto its number one position by market share, Tesco’s growth has been sluggish compared to rivals such a Sainsbury’s and Morrisons which have seen their popularity soar in recent years due to clever psitining during the economic downturn.

Tesco’s offer is expected to be speedily echoed across major retailers as a new wave of wi-fi rollout is kick-started in the UK. Free wi-fi hotspots are currently mainly available in cafes and restaurants including McDonald’s and Starbucks.

The rollout is also designed to support any future conversion of the Tesco Clubcard scheme to an online based program, where customers receive points digitally.

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