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High-flyer took helm of younger generation

29/11/2006

AS THE superstore revolution swept the country one of the major players staked its claim to Rochdale shoppers.

On Tuesday 4 December 1973 the new Tesco opened in Silk Street.

It was described as 'one of a new generation of shopping units which carry ranges of items in departmental store dimensions but which are run on self-service lines.'

The building boasted a 30,000 square foot shopping area in which could be found more than 6,000 separate grocery items.

What made it a rarity at the time was it also had an adjoining petrol station including tyre-fitting bay and car wash.

In charge of the new store was one of Tesco's high-flyers - 27-year-old Michael Tarpey.

He had already held management posts in Stretford, Preston, St Helens and Liverpool.

Mr Tarpey said: "Tesco have given me a first class, beautifully-equipped store and I have a top rate staff to help me so I am certain we shall live up to the high reputation the company has established elsewhere."

In addition to shelves bursting with goods, the new store also offered the latest in chilled cabinets, delicatessen and cooked meats counter and wines and spirits department.

Tesco also took pride in its 'Home 'N' Wear department, with clothes and shoes for all ages.

Not forgetting, too, household textiles, crockery and other houseware items, electrical goods and its self-proclaimed 'shop within a shop' which sold records, tapes, cassettes, hi-fi equipment, radios and cameras.

Another big plus for early shoppers were the double Green Shield stamps with every purchase for the first five days of opening.