WHEN A LOVED one passes away, certain objects, places, sounds or smells can bring back the strongest memories of them and offer a sense of comfort. Recognising the importance of these small moments, Tesco stepped in to help one family recreate a personal connection to a loved one they had lost, after a request shared on Reddit.
For Alex, from Ceredigion in Wales, Tesco Wooden Furniture Polish was something her late mother used around the home and gradually became a simple but meaningful reminder of her after she passed. So, when the product was eventually discontinued, she was sad to see it go, as it had become a small but familiar connection to her mum in everyday life.
Knowing the sentimental value of the polish, Alex’s son, Josey, decided to post on Reddit asking for help sourcing some cans as a birthday surprise for his mum, which is where Tesco stepped in. As part of the brand’s Need Anything From Tesco? campaign, Tesco is on the look-out for those little helps that mean a lot to customers and were happy to find a solution for Josey’s unique request. With the original product no longer available, Tesco recreated the distinctive fragrance and found a new way to bring it back, producing a set of bespoke candles capturing that nostalgic scent before sending them to Alex as a surprise gift.
Footage of Alex opening the gift can be found by clicking here, and a post from Josey responding to the gesture can be found by clicking here.
Josey said: “I was taken by surprise that Tesco had not only seen my Reddit messages but actually reached out and sent us the thoughtful gift.
“As a family, we’ve all been affected by my grandma’s passing and it was just one of those little things that helps keep the memories alive as smells really do take you back. It was very emotional and we’re really grateful.”
Alex added: “I was absolutely stunned by the thoughtfulness that went into the idea and the trouble taken – from the polish candles themselves right down to the beautiful wrappings of tissue, brown paper and string.
“I became very watery eyed just thinking about such an act of kindness. I shall never forget this wonderful gesture.”
The gesture comes as Tesco continues to bring Every Little Helps to life through its “Need Anything from Tesco?” campaign, which highlights how the supermarket is there to go above and beyond for their customers. Other helps highlighted through the campaign include free nappies for premature babies, free fruit and veg for schools and ways to make money go further with Clubcard Reward partners on everything from meals out and holidays abroad, to £2.50 cinema tickets.
