Including Lidl and Aldi continuing to grow market share, and potential BHS store closures.
The Source rounds up some of the key retail stories of the week.
The Co-op is the fastest growing non-discount grocer for the first time since 2011, according to new data from Kantar Worldpanel. The report into individual retailer sales growth for the 12 weeks to January 31, showed Co-op sales increasing 1.4%. It was the most frequently visited major supermarket during the period, with its customers shopping there an average of almost 19 times over the past 12 weeks. Market average is 11 visits.
Meanwhile, Kantar Worldpanel also revealed that Lidl and Aldi continued to steal share from the ‘big four’ during the 12 weeks to January 31. Total shares for Lidl grew 18.7%, while Aldi grew 13.7%. Market share was 4.2% and 5.6% respectively.
Sainsbury’s continued to outperform Asda and Tesco during the period. Sales were up 0.6% with market share edging up to 16.8%. Meanwhile, Asda saw sales slip 3.8% during the period (market share 16.2%) and Tesco posted a 1.6% decline in sales (market share 28.5%).
High street fashion retailer New Look has posted a rise in sales and profits for its third quarter. Pre-tax profits were up 38.9% to £87.9 million for the period ending December 26, 2015, with sales standing at £1.17 billion (up 5.6% year on year). The retailer also confirmed it is planning to open 15-20 menswear stores in the next year.
Department store chain BHS could be facing a restructure, after its owner Retail Acquisitions hired KPMG. A report in The Sunday Telegraph said that the company is looking to close at least 30 stores.
Sainsbury’s is to end much of its multi-buy promotional activity by the summer, instead focusing on lower, regular prices. Retail Week reported that the promotions will be phased out by August. The move follows an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority into supermarket chains, who were alleged to have misled customers with confusing pricing and promotions.
