I have always been an Asda girl. I occasionally used to pop into Tesco, but my main shop has always been done in Asda. Recently I have started using my Tesco store much more frequently. I have to say that I am both suprised and pleased with the items in store and the prices.

The Tesco in my hometown was built in 2002. It is a huge superstore and boasts a free multi story carpark. The only downside to this is that people who wish to pop into the town centre use this carpark too, and so on peak times, it is a bit of a chore trying to find a space.

The general layout of the store is very well devised. It did take me a short while to establish where everything is, but now I know exactly where to find certain items. The store is well lit and clean. All items are clearly priced and in my experience the shelves are always well stocked. Something which I feel Asda has become slightly lax with of late.

The Fruit and vegetables that I have bought here are really pleasing to the eye. Look fresh and appealing. They also taste very fresh and flavoursome. The price for the fruit and veg is slightly more expensive than Asda but it is so insignificant, just pennies and in my opinion the fruit and veg in Tesco are worth paying that little bit extra for.
I make a lot of home made soups and I have found that they always have ample supply of the less popular vegetables such as leek and butternut squash. These things I have sometimes not been able to purchase in other supermarkets.

I was always under the impression that Tesco is more expensive than Asda and in some respects it is. But there is an extensive range of products to suit everyones budgets. From luxury range to tesco value, which is Tesco version of smart price.

Tesco also have a great fishmongers, butchers and bakers in store. All offering fresh produce. I have not tried the fish from Tesco, but it always looks fresh and well presented.

The bread and rolls from Tesco are excellent in both value and flavour. The tiger bread in particular is very delicious and a large tiger loaf costs a £1 which is excellent value. The bread, cakes and rolls always appear fresh.

The butcher is my Tesco is always really helpful. He is always happy to assist with any specific requirements. All the meat I have purchased here has always been fresh and succulent. They again have Tesco value range meats for the tighter budget. I have sampled this range when buying lamb breast to make my welsh cawl. This rolled breast of lamb is such excellent value for money and the meat is always sweet and totally delicious.

I have noticed in my Tesco that the isles are quite a bit wider than the isles in Asda. This is handy when trying to navigate a trolley and a five year old hyperactive son. I have noticed people in wheelchairs, using instore trolleys which attach on to the front of their wheelchairs. Again they seem to have no real issues navigating these trolleys down the isles.

Apart from food Tesco offer a great deal of other products. I am totally in love with the childrens clothing. I am not so keen on the Adult clothing range but I have bought one or two pieces for myself and all the clothes wash well and are of a great quality.

The childrens clothes are really trendy. The boys section is particularly impressive. I buy alot of the childrens clothes from Tesco. I love the funky fashion but I also love the very reasonable prices. I bought my son a really trendy red and navy check shirt last week for a very reasonable £8. The footwear range is also very impressive. I am always pleased with the variety of footwear on offer. Again bang on trend items. I managed to pick my daughter up a pair of ugg boots last week for a staggering £3. These had been reduced from £10.

In my tesco there is also a huge electrical department. I havent had anything to do with this department but I have noticed that they sell a comprehensive selection of electrical products.

There is also a homewear department and I love to have a little browse through here when I have a little bit of time to spare. I have bought a few items for my home from this department and they are very reasonable and modern. The mugs and dishes on offer are particularly reasonable.

I am becoming increasingly impressed with my local Tesco. It has everything I need under one roof. It is well laid out and the prices are very competative. However here we come to the point where I have to start my mini rant........

Why are the majority of Tesco cashiers so miserable. They are far less polite, helpful or chatty than the cashiers in ASDA. I have actually gone through the till without the cashier saying anything apart from the price. I was so annoyed. I dont understand why a big company like Tesco allow their frontline staff to behave in such a manner. It really spoils the shopping experience.

I have to admit though that I have found the customer service staff to be very helpful and efficient. When I have returned goods in the past they have dealt with me with great proffesionalism.

One great thing about Tesco, is the tesco clubcard. This is a little credit card sized card which you hand over to the cashier at the end of your purchase and points which can be redeemed for cash will be added to your card.

I would certainly recommend readers to try a shop at Tesco. I appreciste it may not be to everyones tastes. It does lack that certain warmth and familiarity that Asdas offers. But I think that the positives outweigh the negatives and all in all this store is a winner!!