In a first for UK supermarkets, Tesco has announced a major change to its stores and has revealed the 93 locations where the change will be seen first. After a successful trial in over 200 stores during 2024, the chain is set to roll out perimenopause and menopause-friendly aisles across the country, including in Superstore and Extra locations.
These sections aim to support women in finding products for their stage of life by marking them in purple. Products will feature the M-tick label, the first universally recognised stamp for products designed specifically for menopausal women. Highlighting items that are “safer” for women going through perimenopause or menopause, the tick is the result of a partnership between Tesco and GenM, a coalition of retailers and manufacturers with products geared towards women at these stages.
The new aisles will exclusively be stocked with products to help manage symptoms at these stages of hormonal change and will be introduced from this month. Featured items will include products from haircare, nutrition, sexual wellness, digestive health and skincare, all geared towards the menopause. Tesco said it aims to “empower women with more choices” by providing a single location for all their needs.
Previously, the trial sections featured Vitabiotics vitamins, Olay and Nivea skincare, alongside Tena and Always personal hygiene items.
While other supermarkets including Morrisons and Sainsbury’s have taken part in similar trials, Tesco is the first to implement the measure permanently.
GenM’s UK Visibility Report 2024 found 94% of women want to be able to find menopause-friendly labelled products when they go shopping, but 66% have difficulty sourcing the items they need.
Recent data from market research company Kantar found the number of customers buying menopause-related products hit an all-time recorded high in 2024, while the global market for these products is worth £16.93bn.
The majority of that figure is spent on dietary supplements, but Kantar say there are six symptoms at any one time on average.
They also found that 76% of perimenopausal and menopausal people “did not feel represented at all” by brands’ advertising and marketing.
Tom Lye, category director for health and wellness at Tesco, said the store was “delighted” to support customers and colleagues going through menopause.
He added: “We hope that having these permanent menopause-friendly bays in 93 of our large stores will provide reassurance and education.”
Heather Jackson, GenM’s co-founder and CEO, said women in the UK going through menopause were not yet “understood or served as they deserve” but that Tesco’s move was a step in the right direction.
She added: “This showcases our joint commitment to supporting women across the breadth of the 48 menopause signs, and means we are empowering women with choice for her to manage her menopause, her way.”
During menopause, many women find changes in the regular menstrual cycle, including irregular bleeding.
Other symptoms can include mood changes, memory or concentration issues, as well as hot flushes, difficulty sleeping and a reduced sex drive.
NHS advice is available online and anyone concerned about menopause symptoms should speak to their GP.
Here’s the full list of Tesco stores set to feature the new menopause aisle:
