Tesco shoppers are only just realising purpose of 'hidden drawers' in store

Tesco shoppers are only just realising purpose of 'hidden drawers' in store A book lover has uncovered the real purpose of the 'hidden drawers' found under Tesco bookshelves — and customers are only just realising what they are actually for Tesco shoppers who happen to be avid readers will know the supermarket's shelves can be an absolute goldmine, often offering bargains that undercut traditional bookshops. For instance, Tesco frequently runs deals such as two paperbacks for £9.50, and occasionally stocks brand-new hardback releases at lower prices than competitors. It's a pleasant way to add a bit of excitement to the weekly shop by slipping a couple of books into your trolley. However, shoppers are only just cottoning on to something concealed beneath the shelves — and many had absolutely no clue what it was actually meant for. One book enthusiast has revealed what he discovered. Craig, who posts on TikTok as @booksandlifewithcraig, explained that underneath the book displays in Tesco, there are drawers. And while he opened them up and had a good rummage to see which titles were tucked away that hadn't yet made it onto the shelves — urging others to follow suit — that's not actually their intended purpose. They're actually designed to hold stock so staff can top up the shelves when they run low, rather than being there for customers to rifle through. That said, you can always ask a member of staff for help, and they'll be able to check whether there are any hidden gems stashed beneath the displays. Alternatively, if a book is out of stock on the shelves and you're desperate to get your hands on a copy without trawling through every Tesco in your local area, it's worth asking a member of staff if they can check those handy hidden shelves on your behalf. In the comments, people admitted their "jaws dropped," with many confessing they "didn't know those shelves could do that". One fellow book lover revealed she "didn't think you were allowed to touch them," and she's not wrong — though Craig's response was simply, "yolo (you only live once)". Someone else wrote: "It feels illegal to open these drawers. I feel like I will be told off". And they have a point, as these shelves aren't meant for customers to rifle through — though a member of staff is more than happy to help. "Pretty sure that's for staff so they can stock the shelves," one TikToker correctly noted, with another agreeing it's "naughty" to help yourself to the books. One shopper argued there shouldn't "be gaps on the shelves," though another pointed out that staff are juggling competing priorities — which still doesn't mean customers can simply help themselves. Tesco has been contacted for comment.