UK-based supermarket chain Tesco is discontinuing 24-hour trading at 76 of its large stores due to low customer turnout in the early hours.
The retailer had initiated the 24-hour trading service 20 years ago. All the 76 stores will now close down at midnight and reopen in the morning at 06.00.
The move is part of the company's CEO Dave Lewis' efforts to turnaround operations following its performance over the past few years.
Tesco retail director Tony Hoggett was quoted by The Guardian as saying: "With the growth of online grocery shopping, these stores saw very few customers during the night."
Tesco spokesman was quoted by the publication as saying: "Those colleagues that are affected by the change will be supported to find alternative roles, either within the store or at another local store."
As part of its restructuring process, the company had eliminated the 24-hour opening at two of its large stores in September 2015.
Last month, the company said it would begin collecting a £2 fee from customers for click and collect orders that cost less than £30 through Tesco Direct, reasoning that the fee is required to keep the services functional in future.
It said that the fee, which would be charged for non-food items, would come into effect on 2 February. The company is already charging £4 for grocery purchases less than £40 that are ordered online and collected at store, reports The Guardian.
