Ocado has emerged as the fastest-growing supermarket, boasting a 16.2% rise in sales over 12 weeks. Notably, M&S and Tesco are gaining ground as the festive season approaches.
- Lidl experiences significant growth, with a sales increase of 11.6%, trailing just behind Ocado.
- M&S shows robust performance with a 10.6% rise, slightly ahead of Tesco’s healthy 5.1% growth.
- Total UK supermarket sales growth stabilizes at 3.7%, somewhat lower than the previous month’s 4%.
- Despite slower growth, in-store visits rise by 5.7%, exceeding online shopping which saw a modest increase.
Ocado has solidified its position as the fastest-growing supermarket in recent weeks, reporting a remarkable 16.2% increase in sales as the year draws to a close. This growth rate highlights Ocado’s robust performance in the retail sector, especially as the holiday season nears.
Lidl has also shown considerable growth, marking an 11.6% rise in sales. This positions it closely behind Ocado, indicating the competitive nature of the supermarket industry in the UK. Lidl’s continued expansion reflects its ability to attract a broad customer base with attractive pricing and product offerings.
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has demonstrated a strong market presence with a 10.6% increase in sales. This growth is a testament to M&S’s effective strategies in securing consumer interest as the festive shopping season intensifies. Their competitive edge is seen as a critical factor in maintaining their market position.
Tesco has maintained a solid growth rate of 5.1%, which constitutes a ‘healthy’ increase in the current retail climate. Tesco’s strategic positioning and market share, particularly its 28.1% share reported in December, make it a formidable presence in the retail landscape.
The overall growth in UK supermarket sales stands at 3.7%, reflecting a slight decline from the previous month’s figure of 4%. This slowdown is attributed to milder weather and the impact of events like Black Friday, which have led to strategic shifts in consumer shopping patterns.
Notably, there has been a 5.7% rise in in-store visits over the past four weeks, outstripping online shopping growth, which rose by 0.6%. This indicates a consumer preference for physical shopping experiences, possibly influenced by the approach of Christmas when last-minute purchases are common.
As the festive period approaches, supermarkets are strategically positioned to cater to an anticipated increase in consumer demand.
