In the months leading up to Christmas, Asda’s sales performance contrasts sharply with its competitors.
- Asda’s market share has fallen by 1.1 percentage points, now standing at 12.1%.
- Sales at Asda have decreased by 4.2% during the 12 weeks ending 30 November.
- Meanwhile, Ocado’s sales have surged by 16.2%, boosting its market share to 1.8%.
- M&S has also seen significant sales growth of 10.6%, enhancing its market share to 3.7%.
Asda, one of the UK’s leading supermarkets, has reported a decline in sales during the critical pre-Christmas trading period. The retailer’s market share decreased by 1.1 percentage points to 12.1%, marking a 4.2% fall in total sales over the 12 weeks leading up to 30 November. This downturn contrasts with the performance of other major players in the UK grocery market.
Ocado, known for its online retail services, continues to grow rapidly. The company achieved a remarkable 16.2% increase in sales, resulting in a modest gain in market share, now at 1.8%. This growth solidifies Ocado’s position as the fastest-growing retailer in the market.
M&S has entered the busy trading season on a positive note with a substantial 10.6% rise in sales. This improvement has allowed M&S to increase its market share by 0.2 percentage points to 3.7%.
In contrast, Waitrose has struggled to gain significant ground, with sales increasing by only 1.9% over the same period. Despite this, it has not matched the upward trajectory of many of its competitors.
Additionally, the overall market is experiencing a surge in demand for premium product lines as shoppers prepare for the festive season. Analysts predict that supermarket sales will exceed £13 billion in December, driven in part by a rise in spending on premium own-label items.
The UK grocery market is witnessing varied performances among major retailers, with Asda facing challenges while competitors like Ocado and M&S experience robust growth.
