UK Shoppers Turn to Online Shopping in Record Numbers
- Online grocery sales reach 10% in UK during Covid-19 lockdown
- 6.8 million new online shoppers in the last four weeks
- Convenience store sales up by 30%
- Ambient groceries and frozen foods see growth, confectionery and delicatessen decline
During the last four weeks ending 18 April, online grocery sales reached a record 10% of all UK grocery spend, according to Nielsen data. This marks an increase from 7.5% at the end of 2019 as consumers shifted their shopping habits due to the pandemic. Over 6.8 million people shopped for groceries online, with nearly a third being first-time buyers. Convenience store sales soared by 30%, and ambient groceries (+17.6%) and frozen foods (+13.5%) saw growth, while confectionery (-20%) and delicatessen (-21%) declined. Mike Watkins, Nielsen’s UK head of retailer and business insight, noted that retailers have increased online capacity and adapted to shopper needs during the lockdown.
Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information from a reputable source (Nielsen), presents data in a clear manner, and offers insightful commentary from an expert in the field.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about the increase in online grocery sales during the COVID-19 lockdown and offers insights into category performance. It also includes expert commentary from a source familiar with the industry. The content is focused on the topic and does not contain irrelevant or misleading information.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: UK supermarkets and online grocery retailers
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the increase in online grocery sales during the Covid-19 lockdown, which impacts the financial performance of UK supermarkets and online grocery retailers.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no mention of an extreme event in the last 48 hours.
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