Who we visited

Tesco Express Bexhill, East Sussex

Scottish midland co-operative Broxburn, West Lothian

Nisa Hazlemere, Buckinghamshire

Londis Surbiton, Surrey

Spar Stockport, Greater Manchester



How they performed

Nisa provided a full basket list this week and offered a number of promotions including two-for-£1 on Heinz Baked Beanz and the same deal on 2-litre bottles of Coca-Cola. Our shopper said the store was clean with well-presented displays. The aisles were clear of packing trolleys and shelf-stackers. However, the checkout operator did not greet our shopper.

Our shopper at Spar said the store was very clean with an "excellent" checkout operator who was chatty and friendly. She greeted our shopper politely and packed his bags without being asked. The store layout was logical and the absence of packing trolleys meant our shopper could move around unhindered.

Tesco Express was clean and tidy, according to our shopper, but the aisles were cluttered with shopping trolleys. She said the store was well-merchandised, so she could find the products on her list easily, and staff were polite when asked for help. The store did not stock a 6-pack of unsmoked bacon, as specified on our shopper's list, instead only stocking smoked.

Our Londis shopper described the store as "lovely" and was pleased with his trip. Help was given with packing his goods and he said it was easy to manoeuvre around the store, which had a logical layout. Staff were polite and helpful and the store was able to supply a full basket.

Our shopper at Scotmid's store in Broxburn was impressed with the high level of customer service after her bags were packed at the checkout and the assistant greeted her. She said the store was well-merchandised and she did not experience any problems in finding items on her list.