I want to be a giant of Hong Kong Island

Chapter 217 [Metro vs. Tesco] (5000 words for a monthly ticket!)
London, Edgware Street, where the first self-service supermarket in Europe - Metro supermarket is located.

Why is it called the first self-service supermarket in Europe?

It turns out that there are only self-service stores in Europe at this time, and there are no supermarkets yet!
In 1948, the first self-service store of TESCO (Tesco or Tesco) opened.

Why is the word 'self-service' added here, and why is it a store?
It turns out that before World War II, Europe and the United States were dominated by grocery stores. This so-called "grocery store" could not choose the goods you like from the container, put them in the shopping cart, and then go to the cashier to check out.

The variety of these grocery stores is monotonous. When you need to buy something, you have to ask the sales assistant, and then the sales assistant will take it for you!
In the 20s, an American proposed to allow shoppers to collect products from the shelves and aisles, and let them line up in front of the counter to check out, which not only greatly reduced the labor cost of retailers, but also attracted people from several kilometers around Come shopping.

Unfortunately, the concept of this market was a bit ahead of its time and failed to attract customers from the surrounding community, let alone people coming from several kilometers.

Self-service supermarkets did not develop in the United States until after World War II, as the middle class increased and so did the automobile.

TESCO opened its first self-service store in 1948 after a visit to the United States after World War II.

As for self-service supermarkets, TESCO only opened in Essex, England in 1956.

Therefore, Metro Supermarket is the first self-service supermarket in Europe.

Wu Guangyao and Kaila came to the entrance of the Metro supermarket on Edgware Avenue, and a large billboard came into view.

"Are there lights in the sign advertising?"

"Have"

Wu Guangyao nodded, expressing his satisfaction. After all, he stayed in London for a month last time and wrote countless thoughts of his own. It depends on whether the management will refer to it!

Wu Guangyao and Kaila entered the supermarket through the side door. At this time, the supermarket was brightly lit. The first impression of the supermarket was that it looked like a huge warehouse, but it was neat and orderly. The products inside made people want to take it home.

"Boss, Mr. Wu!" Vice President Donald greeted happily when he saw the two entering the supermarket.

"Mr. Donald, long time no see! Tell me about the progress!" Wu Guangyao said.

Donald naturally knew who the real boss of TESCO was, the Asian in front of him;
Of course, Donald admired Wu Guangyao very much;

As a patriarch, Donald naturally knew that the entire idea and idea of ​​TESCO came from this Asian.

It can be said that he is the soul of TESCO!
"Okay, Mr. Wu! As the first supermarket of the Metro brand, the total area has reached 21000 square feet, and there are 2500 kinds of goods in it, covering all aspects of people's lives."

Wu Guangyao watched the layout of the supermarket while listening to Donald's explanation. Generally speaking, it fit the form of a modern supermarket.

"I am very satisfied with your work!" Wu Guangyao said after listening.

Although these people are constructing according to the plans, they are not capable, and they may build a crooked building!
Then Wu Guangyao asked about the promotion, but this time, Wu Guangyao frowned!

That is, the advertising investment of Metro Supermarket is too little to achieve the effect!
"That won't work. We are a supermarket. If we don't advertise it widely, wouldn't the fresh produce be ruined? We are not operating on a small budget, we can only make a name for ourselves slowly! We are a big brand, so naturally we need to spend a lot of money on advertising. A high starting point, a cluster of advertising bombardment, and a reputation!" Wu Guangyao said domineeringly.

Since we have invested so much, how can we save money on advertising expenses!

Keira helped Donald out of the siege and said, "It's my fault here. The main company doesn't have enough funds. I want to save as much money as possible!"

"Confused!" Wu Guangyao didn't give Kaila any face. At this time, Wu Guangyao only had business.

"If you don't have money, you can ask me. Don't tell me I don't have money? Since we have invested so much, why save that money! We are a supermarket, word of mouth is important, and advertising is also very important!" Wu Guangyao educated.

"Well, it's my fault!" Kaila stepped forward to hold Wu Guangyao's arm, obviously wanting to beg for mercy.

Wu Guangyao did not continue, but said to Donald: "You should quickly insert our commercials on TV and radio tomorrow morning. Make sure everyone in London knows about it. There are also printed leaflets distributed within three kilometers of the surrounding area. Every family can receive our flyer."

"You don't have to worry about funds, I can mobilize hundreds of thousands of dollars for you at any time, this time we want to play big!"

That night
Keira said condescendingly: "Hmph, today you suppressed me in the supermarket, and now I will suppress you too!"

The next day, Wu Guangyao came to the Metro warehouse, which is a super warehouse transformed from a large factory building.

Metro Supermarket itself has a similar warehouse. Why does Wu Guangyao spare no effort to build such a large warehouse?

This is getting ready for chain stores!
Chain stores in this era have more advantages than supermarkets, because people don’t have a car in every household in the later generations (whether it is a car or a battery car.)
So it is difficult for people to get together to go to the supermarket to buy, usually go to chain stores to buy what they need.

Metro Supermarket is more like a signboard to promote the company's brand, but in the 60s and [-]s, it had to rely on chain stores to make more profits!

Therefore, if Metro wants to develop rapidly, it must either operate its own chain stores, or acquire a large number of chain store brands.

Only the combination of self-service supermarkets and chain stores can develop at a high speed.

This super-large warehouse is conducive to the replenishment of chain stores and supermarkets.

After all, logistics in this era is very slow. If there is no warehouse, it is difficult to replenish goods in time!
"Mr. Walter, what is the attitude of the product suppliers to our 'sell first, pay later' plan?" Wu Guangyao asked.

Wu Guangyao's proposal of 'sell goods first, pay later' is as annoying as the 'shared area' of later generations!
Moreover, at present, Europe and the United States absolutely pay for the goods and deliver the goods at the same time. It is impossible to pay for the goods first. Of course, this needs to test Walter's ability.

Of course, there is a compromise plan, that is, half of the price is paid in advance, and the remaining half needs to be sold before being sold.

Compared with the future, this is already relatively kind. In the future, the supplier’s entry fee, terminal fee, stacking fee, DM fee, annual festival fee, store celebration fee, year-end rebate, account period (early settlement fee) will be required ), gross profit compensation, fresh products, and compensation fees, etc.!
"Mr. Wu, you also know our situation in Europe, so it is obviously not feasible to completely follow the 'sell the goods first, pay later', so in the end we adopted a monthly settlement plan. On the 9th of each month, the settlement Pay off last month's payment.!"

Wu Guangyao nodded, as long as there is a time difference!

"Remember, when we develop to a certain level, we must contact manufacturers as much as possible to directly supply goods, at least first-hand dealers, and those second-hand and third-hand dealers need to be eliminated, so that we will have enough profit."

"Yes, Mr. Wu! I will try my best to get the goods from the first-hand sources."

The day before the opening of the Metro supermarket, the entire London was covered with advertisements for Metro supermarket, which can be said to have bombarded London with advertisements.

Metro launched the slogan of 'one-stop shopping, zero-distance service'.

At this time, Tesco President Wesley urgently held a meeting of executives and shareholders to discuss countermeasures.

Edgware Street is where Tesco started, and there are three Tesco chain stores in the entire Edgware Street.

As a listed company, we will never allow an unknown company to challenge the company's authority.

When Wesley expressed his worries, a shareholder said easily: "Mr. President, I think your worries are unnecessary. I went to the Metro supermarket, and the scale is indeed very large from the outside, so I doubt them. Can it be profitable?"

Wesley had visited the United States and knew that self-service supermarkets had risen after World War II, only Europe had not yet appeared.

In case this Metro supermarket becomes popular, Tesco will lose its opportunity and fall behind others. This is impossible to bear as the largest retailer in England!

"If they really gather customers who are a few kilometers away in their supermarket to buy, wouldn't it be very successful!" Wesley expressed his worries.

"Haha, Mr. President, not every household has a car. If it were you, would you go a few kilometers on foot to buy daily necessities?" The shareholder said again relaxedly.

Most of the people in the conference room were not convinced by this shareholder, but felt that the president's worry was possible!

Anyone who has been to the United States knows that self-service supermarkets have occupied the ultimate position in the United States.

"Let's observe first, and then decide how to deal with it!"

The meeting was left alone at the end!
Tesco went public in 1948. Why didn't they decide to open a self-service supermarket after returning from an inspection tour in the United States?

That's because they are worried that the self-service supermarket is too large to gather enough customers. This is the biggest problem.

This era is not like the later generations, with dense population and many tourists;

If you want to open a self-service supermarket, you must at least gather people within a few kilometers to meet the operation of a large supermarket.

Fortunately, the United States has a very high number of cars, and some will drive to the supermarket to purchase;

And London may be a bit worse, and it may be that no one dares to try, otherwise why did Tesco not enter the field of independent supermarkets until 1956.

Metro's management is also in the conference room, organizing meetings!
"Tomorrow, many people will definitely drive to the Metro supermarket. Our parking lot must be guaranteed, and security must be set up to maintain order!" Wu Guangyao said first.

If you want to open a supermarket in this era, you must find a good parking lot, otherwise many people will not be able to have a good shopping experience.

So before opening the store, Wu Guangyao had already warned that parking must be easy in the place where the supermarket is opened!
Everyone agrees with Wu Guangyao's point of view. A family without a car will not travel too far to shop.

"Our department will take good care of it, please rest assured, Mr. Wu!" The manager of the security department immediately responded that this is his responsibility, and their department is duty bound.

At this time, in the conference room, Wu Guangyao had become an absolute soul figure, even Kayla's entire boss couldn't match it!

Because the veterans all know that many ideas and plans of this Metro supermarket were proposed by Wu Guangyao;

Of course, the relationship between Wu Guangyao and Kaila has not been hidden from everyone. After all, anyone who is not a fool can see the usual close contact.

Compared to everyone's nervousness, Wu Guangyao looked very relaxed.

First, if you have money, you are not afraid of failure; second, if you have a plan, you will not fail!
"You are worried that our supermarket will not be able to gather people from a few kilometers around to come to shop; but you have not seriously tried to solve this problem!" Wu Guangyao glanced at everyone one by one, seeing Wu Guangyao's eyes, everyone They lowered their eyes one after another.

"I have a solution, maybe it can be solved!" Wu Guangyao was a little disappointed to see that everyone did not come up with his own solution.

"Honey, what can I do?" Keira asked impatiently, and then realized that she was calling too affectionately, which was obviously a bit out of place, and her face was slightly hot.

Wu Guangyao looked at Kaila with a smile, and then said: "That is, we will set up a takeaway department and print takeout advertisements. We only need a phone call from customers, and we will deliver the products they need to their door. Of course, the distance can be set within our tolerance." As for the range, the means of transportation can only be bicycles. This can properly reduce the pressure on inventory and make a name for us!"

Wu Guangyao's words made everyone's eyes shine, this is completely feasible!

"Of course, we mainly focus on allowing customers to enjoy shopping. Think about it, we have coffee shops and restaurants at the entrance of our supermarket, which can also increase our popularity. When a family When they want to go shopping, maybe our commercial complex can satisfy them, so everyone should have confidence!" Wu Guangyao made the final mobilization.

Sunday, May 5.

Metro's first self-service supermarket opened, and the surrounding families came to Metro to experience shopping.

Faced with a dazzling array of products, no one can resist the temptation of this kind of shopping. Many people throw products into the shopping cart one after another. This feeling is really refreshing!
When it comes to shopping carts, Wu Guangyao specifically reminded the management of the company that shopping carts must not be designed like baby carriages!

Why is this?

It turned out that Wu Guangyao knew that when the shopping cart was first used, it was ignored by many people!
When shopping carts first came into use, housewives complained that shopping carts were too similar to baby carriages, and they didn't want to repeat the "daily routine of bringing children" in the supermarket.The male customer was even more disdainful. Do you think my thick arms are for nothing?No one wants to touch the shopping cart.

In the 40s and [-]s, shopping carts were rejected by customers!
Therefore, Wu Guangyao drew a sketch of a shopping cart and asked the management to produce the shopping cart according to the drawing.

Therefore, the shopping cart currently used by Metro is a patented product, and it is infinitely similar to the shopping carts of later generations!
Wu Guangyao and Keira, as well as Ryan, the president of Prudential Insurance Company, Bean, the London loan project manager of HSBC Bank, and several London politicians, all came to visit the opening ceremony of Metro.

Looking at the dense crowd, a London official asked Keira: "There are too many people, do you have any measures to deal with it?"

"Of course, you see, every uniformed security guard inside has undergone professional training. In the event of an emergency, we can evacuate the crowd through various channels!"

Facing all kinds of questions from London officials, Keira answered them one by one, which made Wu Guangyao next to him very proud!

Look, this is the country I have laid down!
"Mr. Ryan, shouldn't our loan be paid out as promised?" Keira said to the president of Prudential Insurance.

"There is no problem. If your company still needs loans in the future, please consider us!" Ryan said with a smile. After observing for a long time, he found that Metro Supermarket not only has the shadow of American Supermarket, but also has many places that are worth learning from colleagues all over the world. .

Such an innovative enterprise, no bank or insurance company will reject it!

"No, no, Miss Keira, our HSBC Bank is Mr. Wu's ally, we must give priority to our HSBC Bank for loans. After all, Prudential is an insurance company, and loans are not professional!" Bean said quickly, in the long run Look, Metro will never be just a supermarket, and HSBC will never give up this promising enterprise.

As it turned out, the young man was an imaginative businessman, and a very successful one at that.

As for the relationship between Wu Guangyao and Keira, in the eyes of these London elites, there is nothing disgusting.

A strong man can conquer any kind of woman!

Seeing the confrontation between HSBC and Prudential, Wu Guangyao immediately smoothed things over and said, "Metro also needs insurance business and loan business. We will give you two priority in the future."

It goes without saying that it means that the insurance business is for you Prudential, and the loan business is for you HSBC.

The two parties finally died down!

Metro held a lot of activities, such as shopping over 10 pounds can participate in the lottery, the biggest prize is a car;

A variety of products are on sale with 5% off, and there are various discounted products
On the second day of Metro's opening, many competitors came to investigate.

In their eyes, although the opening of the Metro supermarket was very hot on the first day, it was understandable because Metro spent a lot of advertising money and held various promotional activities.

The real test is yet to come. Whether it was a flash in the pan or a real success is still unknown!
On the second day of the Metro supermarket, because it was a working day, the passenger flow dropped a lot, but after getting off work outside, Metro finally welcomed a large number of customers again.

The opponents are a little restless!
Especially TESCO, has begun to be very nervous!

Wesley, president of TESCO (Tesco, China's Tesco), already had a foresight in his heart. It seems that TESCO needs to act immediately to open a self-service supermarket.

Wesley decided to observe for another week before convincing the members of the board of directors to enter this industry. After all, TESCO is a listed company and needs the approval of shareholders.

(End of this chapter)