Supermarkets have picked up their sales in the last two weeks, but at the expense of convenience and high street stores, new figures have claimed today.
Nielsen said in the 12 weeks to 29 November 2008, growth in the overall sector was 3.2%, while growth at multiples was 5.6%.
Year-on-year in the period, Tesco sales grew by 3.2%, Asda saw sales rise by 7.7%, Morrisons by 9.5% and Sainsbury’s by 3.6.
Tesco’s market share remained static at 28%, but Asda grew its market share to 15.8%, Nielsen revealed.
Marks and Spencer witnessed a 0.9% sales decline, which is how much they dropped by at Waitrose.
A similar picture was shown on the TNS market share figures, also out today.
Senior manager of retailer services Mike Watkins said: “In the larger out of town stores growth reached 6% year-on-year in the 12 weeks to 29 November whereas the smallest convenience outlets declined by almost 2% over the same period.
“It is likely that we will see even more deep discounts being advertised over the next three weeks as retailers scramble to drive foot fall.”
Watkins said Morrisons is likely to enjoy another bumper Christmas thanks to “strong and unique promotions”.
The company boasted a 8.1% like-for-like sales rise in the third quarter of the year. Tesco managed just 2% growth.
