UK Supermarkets See Increase in Visits and Spend, Discounter Channels Gain Ground

  • Supermarket till value sales rise to 11.5% in March
  • UK supermarkets experienced a 7% increase in shopping visits and a 13% uplift in spend compared to last year
  • 44% of Brits agree that retailer vouchers and coupons are important for their shopping decisions
  • Price discounts via loyalty cards top the list of promotions influencing where shoppers buy products
  • Aldi and Lidl’s combined growth above 20% continues to shift spend to discounter channels
  • M&S sees momentum from Valentine’s Day and Mothering Sunday sales
  • Grocery retailers could see £3bn in sales this week with Easter
  • Shoppers seek ways to save money amid inflation, loyalty cards offer ‘win-win’ strategy

Supermarket till value sales rose to 11.5% in March, according to NIQ data. UK supermarkets experienced a 7% increase in shopping visits and a 13% uplift in spend compared to the same period last year. As food inflation soared, Brits are turning to loyalty cards and discounts for savings amid the cost of living crisis. Discounter channels like Aldi and Lidl continue to gain ground. M&S saw momentum from Valentine’s Day and Mothering Sunday sales. Grocery retailers could see £3bn in sales this week with Easter, while shoppers prioritize loyalty cards and discounts for their shopping decisions.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about food inflation, value sales, shopping visits, and consumer behavior during the cost of living crisis. It cites data from NIQ and includes expert commentary from Mike Watkins. The article is focused on the topic and does not include irrelevant or sensational details. However, it could be improved by providing more context about the inflation rate and including sources for the statistics mentioned.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about food inflation and its impact on UK supermarkets, but it could benefit from more analysis of long-term trends or possibilities, as well as a deeper exploration of the consequences for those affected by the cost of living crisis. It also could provide more actionable insights or solutions for consumers facing these challenges.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: UK grocery retailers and discount supermarkets (Aldi and Lidl)
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses food inflation, its impact on consumer behavior in grocery shopping, and the performance of specific retailers like Aldi and Lidl. It also mentions the importance of loyalty cards and promotional offers in influencing consumer choices. This is relevant to financial topics as it affects the sales and revenue of UK grocery retailers.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article, but it discusses the impact of inflation and cost of living crisis on grocery shopping trends.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk