Who we visited



co-op group Childwall, Liverpool

one stop Havant, Hampshire

somerfield Crewe, Cheshire

spar Holmer Green, Buckinghamshire

tesco express Woodville, Derbyshire



How they performed



Our shopper found The Co-op Group store on Bentham Drive in the Childwall area of Liverpool a small but well-stocked shop with tidy presentation and a sociable atmosphere. Despite the store's unusual shape, it was easy to find all the items, though the checkout assistant obviously found our mystery shopper's behaviour a little suspicious because she was watching her vigilantly. The £2.59 bacon was on offer at two packs for £4.

It was quite a struggle for our One Stop shopper to navigate the aisles of the store on Botley Drive in Havant. She had to step over boxes, empty trolleys and milk bottles left on the floor that made the store look very untidy. The numerous gaps on shelves revealed layers of dust and the tea bags and Weetabix were both out of stock. However, the checkout assistant was chatty.

The new Somerfield forecourt store on Middlewich Road in the Holmes Chapel area of Crewe sported a gleaming interior, and staff were busy tidying displays when our shopper visited. Individual cans of Whiskas were not sold, only six-packs, but availability was strong overall. The only disappointment was the checkout assistant, who was reluctant to communicate with customers.

The tiny Spar in Holmer Green near High Wycombe was neat and well-organised. Stock was limited because of its small size but staff were efficient and knew where all the products were.

The checkout assistant at the Tesco Express in the Derbyshire village of Woodville was very bubbly and impressed our shopper with her friendly and professional manner. The store was logically laid out and clean. Our shopper also commented on the fresh-looking fruit and vegetables.

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