Supermarkets Thrive as Brits Prepare for Festive Season

  • Grocery sales increased by 11.3% in the 12 weeks ended 29 November 2020
  • Christmas shopping started early this year
  • Take-home grocery sales up by 13.9% in the past four weeks
  • November was the largest month for supermarkets with £10.9bn spent
  • December expected to surpass November’s spending at £12bn
  • Turkey sales up by 36% and Christmas puddings up by over £11m
  • Alcohol purchases rose by 33% due to pub restrictions
  • Waitrose saw fastest growth since 2005 with a 4.9% market share
  • Lidl reached record 6.2% market share, Aldi up 7.7% and Co-op up 9.8%
  • Morrisons sales rose 13.7%, Sainsbury’s share steady at 15.7%, Tesco and Asda up 10.4% and 7.7% respectively

Grocery sales in the UK have seen a significant boost, rising by 11.3% in the 12 weeks ended 29 November 2020, according to Kantar’s latest grocery market share figures. This marks the fastest growth since August as consumers began their Christmas shopping early due to lockdown restrictions. Take-home sales increased by 13.9% during the past four weeks. November was the largest month for supermarkets with £10.9bn spent, and December is expected to surpass this amount at around £12bn. With more people celebrating at home, turkey sales are up 36%, Christmas puddings have seen a £11m increase in spending, and alcohol purchases rose by 33% due to pub closures. Waitrose experienced its fastest growth since 2005 with a 4.9% market share, Lidl reached a record 6.2%, Aldi increased by 7.7%, Co-op sales grew 9.8%, and Morrisons and Sainsbury’s maintained steady shares while Tesco and Asda saw rises of 10.4% and 7.7% respectively.

Factuality Level: 9
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about grocery sales growth, consumer behavior during the pandemic, and specific supermarket performance. It cites a reputable source (Kantar) and includes relevant data points such as market share percentages for various supermarkets.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about grocery sales growth during the pandemic and how it relates to consumer behavior, including specific data on market share for various supermarkets. It stays on topic and supports its claims with evidence from Kantar’s figures. However, it could benefit from more analysis or context on the long-term trends or consequences of these changes in shopping habits.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The article discusses the increase in grocery sales, which can impact the stocks of supermarket companies such as Waitrose, Lidl, Co-op, Aldi, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
Financial Rating Justification: The article talks about the rise in grocery sales due to consumers shopping early for Christmas and increased spending on festive items. This can impact the financial performance of supermarket companies and their stocks.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk