Tesco’s Korean Venture: Success in Cracking the Asian Tiger [CASE STUDY]
Tesco’s venture into South Korea stands out as a strategic success in the world of international business. At a time when global competitors like Carrefour and Walmart struggled to gain a foothold in the Asian market, Tesco made a number of smart and localized decisions that led to impressive market growth. By fully embracing the local culture, partnering with a major conglomerate, and tailoring its operations to meet the unique needs of South Korean consumers, Tesco created a model for international expansion. This case study delves into the strategic decisions made by Tesco in South Korea, why these choices were successful, and what lessons can be drawn for other businesses seeking to expand into new markets. Background: Tesco’s Global Expansion Founded in 1919, Tesco has become one of the world’s largest grocery retailers, primarily operating in the UK. During the 1990s and early 2000s, Tesco aggressively expanded its presence internationally, with South Korea being a key target in ...