Tesco’s market share still falling as Aldi and Lidl gain

Latest Kantar Worldpanel figures show average in-store spends in big retailers are falling

Tesco's market share is continuing to decline with Dunnes Stores, Aldi and Lidl the main beneficiaries.

The latest Kantar Worldpanel figures put Tesco’s overall share of the market at 25.2 per cent, down from 26.7 per cent this time last year.

Despite attracting more shoppers, the retailer’s customers are spending less, with average in-store spends falling by €2 in the past 12 months.

The Kantar figures, which cover the 12 weeks to September 14th, show that Supervalu is the next biggest grocery retailer with 24.7 per cent of the market, though this was down from 25 per cent a year ago.

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SuperValu’s attracted an extra 40,000 shoppers through its doors this year, boosted by its own brand offering.

However, the Musgrave-owned chain, which includes the old Superquinn outlets, saw average in-store spends drop by €16 over the past 12 weeks.

Dunnes Stores was the only one of the big three to increase its market share, enjoying increased sales for the fifth successive month, and now commands 22.1 per cent of the market.

"A rise in the number of round euro priced branded goods on sale has drawn customers into its stores, contributing an additional €15 million in sales for the retailer," David Berry, commercial director at Kantar Worldpanel, said.

Meanwhile, Lidl and Aldi are both continuing their grow in terms of market share, with Lidl’s share of the sector put at 8.5 per cent and Aldi’s marginally behind on 8.3 per cent.

Lidl saw their sales increase by 12.3 per cent while Aldi’s jumped by 15.1 per cent over the past year.

“Aldi and Lidl have both enjoyed record levels of market share over recent months and this strong performance has continued thanks to increased footfall over the past 12 weeks, “ Mr Berry said.

“Lidl has attracted 41,000 new shoppers this quarter as shoppers were enticed by back to school offers. Meanwhile, Aldi’s sales have been boosted as more shoppers chose to visit the retailer for their main grocery shop, with customers increasing their spend by €1.20,” he added.

Eoin Burke-Kennedy

Eoin Burke-Kennedy

Eoin Burke-Kennedy is Economics Correspondent of The Irish Times