Tesco Superstore, Hertfordshire

The Tesco store in Hatfield is situated just outside of the main town and residential area. This is good because it doesn't cause congestion in these areas. However, the roundabout next to it to get to either of the 2 entances is a nightmare. The 'Tesco Roundabout' has traffic lights all around it and leads to the A1(M) and towards Welwyn Garden City aswell. These are 2 of the main places that people using the roundabout want to go. So at peak times ...
...are 4 different types of Tesco stores, ranging from under 3,000 square foot, to over 60,000 square foot. The store in Hatfield is what is known as an 'Extra' store, so it is over 60,000 sq ft. This means that they are able to give most of the services and sell most of the products that Tesco do. (Which seems to be just about anything). There are a big electrical, clothes, homeware and entertainment sections. As well as the usual, pharmacy, bakery, ... more

The Tesco store in Hatfield is situated just outside of the main town and residential area. This is good because it doesn't cause congestion in these areas. However, the roundabout next to it to get to either of the 2 entances is a nightmare. The 'Tesco Roundabout' has traffic lights all around it and leads to the A1(M) and towards Welwyn Garden City aswell. These are 2 of the main places that people using the roundabout want to go. So at peak times it does get very busy and chaotic. But once again, this doesn't affect those people living in the town as it is slightly out of the way.

There are 4 different types of Tesco stores, ranging from under 3,000 square foot, to over 60,000 square foot. The store in Hatfield is what is known as an 'Extra' store, so it is over 60,000 sq ft. This means that they are able to give most of the services and sell most of the products that Tesco do. (Which seems to be just about anything). There are a big electrical, clothes, homeware and entertainment sections. As well as the usual, pharmacy, bakery, deli and grocery sections. Each of these sections are well layed out and easy to find within the store no matter where you are. Due to the hanging signs from the ceilings, which, admittedly, most/all supermarkets have.
In the electrical section there is a wide range of products at a competitive price ranging from kettles and toasters to mobile phones and HD ready plasma T.V.s. This is also true of the other sections mentioned. Each of them having a wide range of products, including the 'Florence and Fred' Tesco clothing brand. Which has been seen on tele recently with the Spice Girls advertising it. i.e. the cashmere jumper.

The store also has a good sized section for fresh fruit and veg. I would say around 50% bigger than that of the ASDA store. Which is a good factor for them, as most people at the moment are eating more healthily, and looking after the environment more. There is a wide selection of items, ranging from traditional English vegetables to wider items, like things from Poland or Asia. As there is quite a big community of these nationalitues in the area. It seems as though the store has its customers best interests at heart. Whereas we all know really it is to maximise profits. Each loose item is priced at 'x amount per kg' and is then weighed at the checkout. Plastic bags are supplied to keep your food fresh and clean as you wander the store and take them home. (This does not seem very environmentally friendly).

Generally the other sections are just like any other supermarket with items in specific designated areas, with the appropriate signage hanging above them for clarity of direction. There is nothing special about this and can be seen in any supermarket across the country. There are also items placed with things that maybe the customer doesn't want, or has specifically set out to buy. But because of where they are placed and with what items, they may decide to purchase them. These tend to be the little sachets of chicken sauce mixes placed on the end of the poulty fridge etc.

The service leaves a little to be desired, but i think that this is fair to say of any major supermarket. It is easier to have a more personal feel in a smaller shop. However, when you are at the checkout, most of the staff seen friendly, and capable of doing their job. Obviously with some exceptions. Offering to help pack, making polite conversation and scanning the items quickly and carefully if needed. Then asking if you have a clubcard once the last item is scanned. It is an easy experience and hassle free. Although i did have a time when the woman didn't say a word to me, barely looked at me, grunted the question "do you have a clubcard?" then once the receipt had printed, looked at me as if i was supposed to just take it. I thought i might as well have just scanned the items myself!

There is also a Tesco petrol station on the grounds in the car park. Which is also massive. But this does have to hold staff and customers for Tesco, as well as the other stores that are on the site. Comet and B&Q. The petrol and diesel prices have been slowly rising over the last few weeks, but are in keeping with the general price of the area. It also has a free air machine round the back to ensure that your tyres are pumped enough.

There are also recycling facilities on the site. Offering clubcard points for plastic and cans. 1 point for every 4 items. In the few times that i have been there, there is always people around, putting their recyclable rubbish into the machines. It is a very good scheme in my eyes, and the site at Hatfield obviously gets a lot of usage. It has been full 2 of the times that i have been there. There is also a seperate hole for the plastic bags that people use to bring their rubbish. This means that there is no litter around the site, and that the plastic bags can be recycled aswell.

Well Done Tesco.

Overall the store is quite good, and i would always go there over ASDA if i have the chance, as it also tends to be cheaper and better quality than its rival.

Forgot to say that it is open 24hours a day from monday-friday. Then shuts at 10 on saturday night. Open from 10-4 on sunday. 

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