Tesco has confirmed that it has begun to ‘phase out’ its in-store entertainment range, as it moves to focus more on homeware and outdoor products.
The news was initially revealed when insiders hinted at changes within the Big 4 grocer, which would see it scrapping the sale of CDs, DVDs and computer games in stores. Tesco confirmed the move today, revealing that it has been phasing them out over the past month.
It also confirmed that no colleagues will be impacted by the changes.
A Tesco spokesperson told Grocery Gazette: “As more customers move towards digital entertainment, over the last month we have begun to phase out some products in our entertainment range, focusing instead on ranges where we see the highest demand from customers such as homeware and outdoor products.”
A report on Film Stories had previously suggested the company would be putting a stop to stocking new physical media, with stores expected to have sold or removed any remaining products by the end of February 2022.
“We will be reducing the general merchandise entertainment, electrical and toy ranges [in stores],” read the internal Tesco document. The memo also allegedly made specific reference to the “removal of CDs and DVDs.”
The move echoes that of rival Sainsbury’s, which announced a similar policy regarding the sale of physical media in July last year.
READ MORE: Tesco axes 1,600 jobs as it closes overnight roles
The latest news comes hot on the heels of recent announcements from the supermarket giant as it addresses surging inflation and price rises by stripping out costs and focusing on “what matters most” to consumers.
A recent restructuring has put 1,600 jobs at risk following the scrapping of overnight roles across some of its stores, including some petrol stations.
The changes will see overnight stock replenishment being moved into the daytime across 36 large stores and 49 convenience stores, in addition to the closures of seven Jack’s stores.
“We operate in a highly competitive and fast-paced market and our customers are shopping differently, especially since the start of the pandemic,” Tesco UK and ROI CEO, Jason Tarry said yesterday.
“We are always looking at how we can run our business as simply and efficiently as possible, so that we can re-invest in the things that matter most to customers. The changes we are announcing today will help us do this.
“Our priority now is to support our impacted colleagues through these changes and, wherever possible, find them alternative roles within our business.”
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