A book lover on TikTok has uncovered the real purpose of the 'hidden drawers' found under Tesco bookshelves, leaving many shoppers surprised at what they are actually for.
What Are the Drawers For?
Craig, who posts on TikTok as @booksandlifewithcraig, explained that underneath the book displays in Tesco, there are drawers. While he opened them up to see which titles were tucked away that hadn't yet made it onto the shelves, that is not their intended purpose. They are 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.
Tesco shoppers who are avid readers know the supermarket's shelves can be a 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.
Shopper Reactions
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.
How to Access Hidden Books
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. Tesco has been contacted for comment.
