By Ian Walker
LONDON--Discount retailer Aldi's market share in the U.K. has
risen to a record 4.8%, nearly catching up with upmarket retailer
Waitrose which stands at 4.9%, while former darling of the sector
Tesco PLC (TSCO.LN) continues to fall.
As well as Tesco, the other casualty among the big four is Wm
Morrisons Supermarkets PLC (MRW.LN), while J. Sainsbury PLC
(SBRY.LN) and Asda shares remained static, according to Kantar
Tuesday, which monitors the household grocery purchasing habits of
25,000 demographically representative households in the U.K.
"Waitrose has continued to resist pressure from the competition,
testament to its policy of maximum differentiation, and has grown
sales by 3.4%. This figure is well above the market average and
thereby has lifted its market share," Edward Garner, director at
Kantar Worldpanel said.
Both Aldi and Lidl, which maintained its record market share at
3.6%, have been boosted over recent years as shoppers look to get
more for their money in a difficult economic environment. Combined,
their market share has risen to 8.4%, compared with 6.8% for the 12
weeks ended July 21, 2013.
Tesco's market share has fallen to 28.9% in the 12 weeks ended
July 20, from 30.3% for the same period last year. Tesco has been
battling to boost flagging sales amid a changing U.K. retail
environment, where the discount chains have been forcing the U.K.'s
big supermarket groups to reduce prices in a fight to retain
customers.
Morrison's share has fallen to 11%, from 11.5%, while
Sainsbury's share was maintained at 16.6%. Asda, a subsidiary of
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT), also maintained its market share at
17%.
Write to Ian Walker at ian.walker@wsj.com
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