Tesco has said it would no longer operate stores under the low-cost "Jack's" brand in the UK, less than five years after it established the format amid much fanfare.
The group launched Jack's, named after Tesco's founder Jack Cohen, in 2018 at a store in Chatteris in England, as part of its centenary celebrations.
Taking on German-owned discounters Aldi and Lidl, the store focused on simplicity and own-brands to keep costs and prices down. But expansion of the format has been slow.
Tesco said of the 13 Jack's stores, six will be converted to Tesco superstores, with the remaining seven earmarked for closure in the coming months.
Some 130 roles in the seven stores that are to close and in head office will be affected by the changes. Tesco will try to find them other roles within the company.
"With the learnings from Jack’s now applied, the time is right to focus on ensuring we continue to deliver the best possible value for customers in our core business," said Tesco UK and Ireland CEO Jason Tarry.
He said the Jack's brand would live on with Jack’s branded products available to independent convenience stores supplied by Booker, Tesco's wholesale business.
Tesco also said it would close meat, fish or hot deli counters in a further 317 stores.
There would be no redundancies related to the counter closures as affected colleagues would be offered alternative roles.
Earlier this month, Tesco raised its profit outlook for the second time in four months after better-than-expected Christmas trading.
Tesco also said today that 1,600 roles in the UK were at risk of redundancy due to operational changes at stores, including the removal of night shifts to restock shelves.
The group said it was moving its overnight stock replenishment into the daytime in 36 large stores and 49 convenience stores.
In 36 stores, it will also convert its petrol stations to be pay-at-pump only during overnight hours.
Tesco said the 1,600 roles at risk include the 130 related to the closure of Jack's stores.
"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," said Tesco UK and Ireland CEO Jason Tarry.
The group said it currently has around 3,000 vacancies and would help impacted staff find alternative roles.
Last month, Tesco raised its profit outlook for the second time in four months after better-than-expected Christmas trading.
