In the heart of Greater Manchester lies a retail behemoth that redefines the supermarket experience. Tesco Walkden, officially the UK's biggest Tesco and one of the largest in Europe, spans an astonishing 104,797 square feet. To put that into perspective, this hypermarket is about the size of a Manhattan city block, twice as large as Bill Gates's house, and a staggering eight times bigger than Manchester Cathedral, located just 30 minutes away.
First Impressions and Scale
Upon arrival, the exterior might seem familiar, resembling any other Tesco Extra store. However, stepping inside reveals the true magnitude of this retail giant. The ceilings soar to impressive heights, and the layout includes close to 40 aisles dedicated solely to groceries, with over 60 aisles in total. A brisk walk from one end to the other takes approximately two minutes and six seconds, covering 187 steps, a testament to its vastness.
Expansive Offerings and Unique Features
The bakery section is extensive, offering a wide array of sweet treats, pastries, and freshly baked bread, all well-stocked even during peak hours. The fruit and vegetable area occupies a central, spacious location, while the F&F clothing range could easily constitute a standalone shop, often featuring significant sales like a 50% off navy zip-up for just £11.
Beyond everyday staples, this Tesco excels in bulk and oversized items. Shoppers will find an abundance of 'XL' sizes and variety packs not commonly available in smaller branches. The home section is particularly rich in discounted goods, including a charming 3D bunny mug for £2, fitted sheets at £3, and an ottoman reduced to £25 for Clubcard holders. Electronics like a 32-inch Sharp TV are available with Clubcard discounts, making high-ticket items more accessible.
What Sets Tesco Walkden Apart
This hypermarket distinguishes itself with nine unique concessions, operating as stores within the store. Alongside expected outlets like Tesco Mobile and Tesco Café, it hosts surprises such as a Yo! Sushi counter, Holland and Barrett, Vision Express, Max Spielman Photo Expert, Early Learning Centre, and The Entertainer. Notably, the meal deal selection is complemented by a full-fledged Greggs store, not just a counter, offering everything from vegan sausage rolls to classic pastries.
Bulk Buy Section and Additional Amenities
Inspired by Costco, the Bulk Buy section provides massive packs of essentials at discounted rates. Highlights include eight rolls of Plenty kitchen roll for just over £10, a 24-variety box of Seabrook crisps for £4.75, and a 10-litre vat of sunflower oil for £17. For coffee and tea enthusiasts, a 400g jar of Douwe Egbert's coffee costs £15, while 600 Tetley teabags are priced at £12 per giant bag.
Adding to the convenience, an autonomous laundrette in the car park allows shoppers to do laundry while completing their grocery run. Local residents praise the store for its extensive selection, with one shopper noting she prefers Walkden over a closer branch specifically for the variety and the Greggs outlet.
Shopping Experience and Accessibility
While the store's size might overwhelm some, it caters to diverse needs with over 900 parking spaces for drivers. For those using public transport, Walkden Station is a 10 to 15-minute walk away, and bus stops are conveniently located outside. Although the author's visit was limited by a lengthy commute, purchases included items from Greggs, scented candles at £2, and a large tube of Pringles for £1.95 with a Clubcard, alongside that irresistible bunny mug.
Tesco Walkden stands as a landmark in UK retail, blending hypermarket scale with unique concessions and bulk buying options. It's a destination that transforms routine shopping into an adventure, proving that bigger can indeed be better when it comes to supermarkets.
