Tesco has come in for plenty of stick lately, but the grocer came out of the last recession strongly, so who’s to say it doesn’t know what it is doing this time around?

As Retail Week reported in today’s issue, retailers have adopted a mood of cautious optimism as there are some signs that the sector may not be as bad as first feared. While many commentators won’t let themselves issue the words “green shoots” just yet, they are starting to make some positive noises.

All eyes will therefore be on Tesco when it updates on its full-year results next week. Tesco has had a tough time of late and its figures will be scrutinised more than ever. As the UK’s largest grocer Tesco should expect to be dragged over the coals but even if the numbers fall short of expectations, the results will show that the grocer is planning for beyond the recession.

The reason Tesco is where it is today is because it always planned well in advance. During the last recession Tesco chose to keep expanding and buying up land to protect its future growth. And it is perfectly clear today that strategy has paid off.

Aside from the issue of Tesco’s debt increasing, analysts point to the grocer’s strategy of its Discounter launch and the US Fresh & Easy operation as two sticking points. Both strategies need to be critiqued but it is also fair to say that in 10 years’ time, we may well look back and find that Tesco made the right decisions.

The discount brands have led to what Tesco calls “self deflation” but many believe the launch has confused the offer. For consumers, this may not be the case though. Shoppers don’t worry whether products come from the Value line or the Discount line, they will just buy what they like within their budget.

It is also too early to write off Fresh & Easy. The severe recession in the areas in which it operates makes it very difficult to establish how it will perform in a normal climate. Tesco has also been very quick to slow expansion and adapt the format. The stores have increased promotional activity after shopper feedback and Fresh & Easy is one of the most active players on social networking site Twitter, soaking up and using what customers tell it.

The UK business may have suffered from its over exposure to non-food and because of the impact of discount brands, but Tesco is a big enough beast to ride the storm. Its international potential and services arm give it an edge that should not be underestimated. Tesco will undoubtedly prove it’s a long-term business once again.