Jack Cohen Blue plaque

Jack Cohen, the visionary behind Tesco, began his journey right here at 91 Ashfield Street. This modest blue plaque marks his childhood home. It whispers tales of a man who revolutionized British retail. Born Jacob Edward Kohen in 1898, young Jack’s entrepreneurial spirit ignited early. Leaving school at 14, he joined his father’s tailoring business. The First World War brought a surge in demand for uniforms, providing crucial income. In 1917, Jack joined the Royal Flying Corps, serving for two years before being demobilized. Armed with his £30 demobilization gratuity, he chose a path far from tailoring. He purchased surplus NAAFI foodstuffs and set up a stall in Hackney’s Well Street Market. Here, his shrewd business acumen shone brightly. He pioneered a strategy of “low prices and fast turnover,” earning him the nickname “Jack the Slasher.” His wife, Sarah (Cissie), shared his vision. Their wedding gifts became seed money for a wholesale venture. The Tesco name arose from a chance encounter with tea supplier T.E. Stockwell. Jack combined Stockwell’s initials with the first two letters of his surname, birthing the iconic brand. The “grocery doctor,” as he became known, had a knack for acquiring and re-branding unwanted goods. By 1930, his turnover hit £50,000, a testament to his skill. The 1930s saw Jack’s focus shift to London’s burgeoning suburbs. He secured a stand in Tooting and built a store in Dartford. In 1932, Tesco Stores Ltd was officially registered, with shops opening in Becontree and Burnt Oak. By 1939, Jack Cohen’s Tesco empire boasted a hundred stores in London. His legacy extends beyond mere shops. He challenged resale price maintenance, championing lower prices for consumers. The abolition of RPM in 1964 marked a turning point in British retail, shifting focus from traditional shops to supermarkets. Jack Cohen’s empire retained the familial touch, with his extended family deeply involved. Knighted in 1969, he retired in 1970, leaving his sons-in-law to lead the charge. The Jack Cohen Blue Plaque stands as a tribute to a man whose vision transformed the landscape of British retail.