Ocado and M&S Lead the Way in Retailer Performance

  • Total Till sales at UK supermarkets slowed +5.3% in the last four weeks
  • Grocery retailers capitalized on big events to attract shoppers through promotions
  • 24% of all FMCG sales were bought on promotion in the last four weeks
  • Online channel growth remains ahead of in-store
  • Shoppers increased their in-store visits compared with last year
  • Key category trends include convenient meal options, cheaper meal ingredients, healthier snacking, and events
  • Ocado and M&S were the fastest growing retailers in the last 12 weeks
  • Discounters Lidl and Aldi experienced slower sales momentum
  • Sainsbury’s and Tesco increased their market share
  • Branded promotions will drive increased discretionary spend post Easter

Total Till sales at UK supermarkets slowed +5.3% in the last four weeks ending 24 February 2024. Grocery retailers capitalized on big events like Valentine’s Day, Pancake Day, and the Chinese New Year to attract shoppers through promotional offerings. In the last four weeks, 24% of all FMCG sales were bought on promotion, rising to 35% for branded items. Online channel growth remains ahead of in-store, with the online’s market share up to 11.2%. Despite February’s weather, shoppers increased their in-store visits compared with last year. Key category trends include convenient meal options, cheaper meal ingredients, healthier snacking, and events. Ocado and M&S were the fastest growing retailers in the last 12 weeks, while sales momentum at discounters Lidl and Aldi continues to slow. Sainsbury’s and Tesco experienced an increase in market share, while Morrisons and Asda had slower growth. Branded promotions will drive increased discretionary spend post Easter.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides detailed information about the recent trends in UK supermarket sales, backed by data from NIQ. It discusses the slowdown in total sales, the impact of food inflation, promotional strategies used by retailers, online vs. in-store sales growth, key category trends, and retailer performance over the last 12 weeks. The article presents facts and data without significant bias, sensationalism, or inaccuracies.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides detailed information on the recent trends in UK supermarket sales, backed by data from NIQ. It discusses the impact of various events like Valentine’s Day and Pancake Day on shopper behavior. The article also highlights key category trends and retailer performances over the last 12 weeks. The information is relevant and supported by data, making it a valuable analysis for those interested in the UK grocery retail sector.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article provides information on the performance of UK supermarkets and grocery retailers, indicating potential impacts on their stocks and financial performance.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Rating Justification: The article focuses on the financial performance of UK supermarkets and grocery retailers, indicating its relevance to financial topics. There is no mention of any extreme events.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk