Tesco is rolling out wooden trolley and basket handles at its Extra branch in Wembley, north London, which feature the message, ‘touch her for luck’
Supermarket shoppers are being urged to ‘touch wood’ ahead of England’s crunch semi-final against Argentina.
They’re being encouraged to grab wooden trolley and basket handles in Tesco as the supermarket giant embraces superstition. The handles have the message, “England needs you. Touch here for luck. Every Little Helps”.
There are also wooden till dividers carrying the same message throughout the shop, along with signs outside giving customers one more opportunity to ‘touch wood’. The company has transformed its Tesco Extra store in London’s Wembley, near to the iconic home of English football, into what is hoped could be Britain’s luckiest supermarket.
It forms part of Tesco’s Need Anything From Tesco? campaign, celebrating the moments that bring people together. Whether it’s picking up snacks for the match, a last-minute barbecue shop or simply adding a little extra luck to England’s journey, Tesco aims to help fans get behind the team.
The company is also helping colleagues enjoy the occasion by closing its Express stores during the final on Sunday, should England progress, giving colleagues the opportunity to watch the match with friends and family.
But it insisted customers don’t need to worry, as Tesco Whoosh deliveries will continue to operate until 11pm, helping fans top up on match-day essentials without missing a moment of action.
Kevin Tindall, managing director of Tesco UK operations, said: “We appreciate just how much this would mean to so many of our colleagues. So if England makes it through to the final, we will close our Express stores across England in time for all colleagues to be able to celebrate with their family and friends.”
The decision – which does not extend to outlets in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – comes as football mania sparks a spending spree in supermarkets. Industry data reveals that shoppers are making more regular trips for beers, pizzas, snacks and other match-night necessities, instead of depending on one large weekly shop.
The British Retail Consortium has said that retail sales have been bolstered by the World Cup and the recent heatwave, with supermarkets reaping the benefits as households stock up for home-viewing of the games.
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