UK Supermarkets Brace for Coronation Weekend Shopping Surge

  • Grocery sales fell to 9.7% in April due to increased promotional spending
  • Promotional spending on items reached its highest level since December 2020 at 23%
  • Branded beer, wines and spirits saw a 51% increase in sales on promotion
  • Own label meat, fish, and poultry sales increased by 27% on offer
  • Online FMCG share dipped to 10.8% from 11.1% last month
  • M&S experienced a 14.5% growth due to seasonal ranges
  • Aldi and Lidl continued as fastest-growing retailers
  • 20% of households plan to buy extra groceries for Coronation weekend
  • UK supermarket sales reached £2.7bn during Jubilee week in 2023, up 10% from average
  • Inflation puts pressure on retailers to attract new shoppers and increase visits
  • Coronation could boost premium own label products and beverages
  • Summer events may drive sales for complementary products

Grocery sales in the UK have experienced a decline, falling from 11.7% to 9.7%, according to NIQ data. This drop is attributed to an increase in promotional spending, with supermarket loyalty scheme discounts and offers driving up sales of items like branded beer, wines, and spirits. As inflation continues to impact consumers, retailers are under pressure to attract new shoppers and boost visits. With the Coronation weekend approaching, 20% of households plan to buy extra groceries and memorabilia for celebrations. Last year’s Jubilee weekend saw a £2.7bn increase in supermarket sales, indicating potential growth opportunities for premium own label products and beverages.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the latest data from NIQ on grocery sales, promotional items, retailer performance, and consumer behavior during special events like Easter and the Coronation. It includes relevant details and quotes from an expert source. However, it could be improved by providing more context or background information on food inflation and its impact on consumers.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about grocery sales trends and consumer behavior during specific events like Easter and the Coronation, but it also includes some repetitive information and focuses on promotional items and discounts which may not be essential for a comprehensive understanding of the overall market dynamics.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: UK supermarkets and retailers
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the impact of promotional items on grocery sales, changes in store visits, and the influence of events like the Coronation on consumer spending patterns, which can affect the financial performance of UK supermarkets and 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.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk