Supermarkets
Supermarkets examines the strategies, performance, and operational challenges facing the UK grocery retail sector. This section reports on trading results, pricing strategy, supply chain management, sustainability initiatives, and consumer trends influencing supermarket performance. Retail Sector’s Supermarkets coverage provides analysis and insight for retail leaders, buyers, and suppliers, exploring how competition, regulation, and innovation are shaping profitability and long-term growth across the grocery landscape.
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Apr- 2021 -28 April
Sainsbury’s swings to £261m loss as Covid costs rise to £485m
Sainsbury’s has slumped to a pre-tax loss of £261m, down from a profit of £255m the year before, after it was hit by £485m in Covid-19 related costs during the full-year period ending 6 March 2021. Alongside the Covid-related costs, the group also attributed the loss to costs arising from…
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27 April
Grocery sales rise 5.7%
Take-home grocery sales rose 5.7% for the 12 weeks to 18 April 2021, according to data analytics and brand consulting company Kantar. The group’s figures also show a 6.5% growth for the four-weeks prior to 18 April, reflecting increasing consumer confidence in physical retail. Kantar found that the over-65 community…
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27 April
Waitrose announces two-year Deliveroo partnership
Waitrose has announced a two-year partnership with Deliveroo, following a successful trial period between the two groups. The deal will see the supermarket chain expand its service on Deliveroo by 110 new shops across the UK, bringing the total by the end of the summer to 150. Some 400 new…
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27 April
Waitrose sees picnic sales up 213% as restrictions ease
Waitrose has reported a “record” rise in sales of picnic and food items, with sales up 213% compared to the same time last year. The grocer has cited the recent easing of lockdown restrictions and increased consumer interest in outdoor dining for this boost. Waitrose said it saw sales of…
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23 April
Asda’s George MD Steph Strike resigns
Asda has revealed that Steph Strike, managing director of George, is stepping down from her position at the group to pursue a new role. Having joined the supermarket chain on a graduate training scheme in 1995, Strike has since held a number of senior positions at the firm. Strike was…
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23 April
Co-op management restructuring to impact 2,000 jobs
The Co-op retail chain is set to alter its store management structure, impacting 2,000 staff members in the process. The group will axe the role of team manager across the majority of its stores from April, leaving the sites to operate with a store manager, team leader, and customer team…
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22 April
M&S appoints non-executive director
M&S has announced that Fiona Dawson, currently global president of Mars Food, will be joining the board as a non-executive director from 25 May 2021. Dawson has had a long eventful career at Mars, rising from the graduate trainee scheme to one of the top roles in the company. Her…
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22 April
Morrisons launches postcard campaign to tackle loneliness
Morrisons has announced it will be giving away half a million free postcards for children to “spread messages of hope” as part of a nationwide initiative to “help tackle loneliness” within communities. As part of the campaign, the children of Morrisons colleagues will be colouring postcards and writing messages for…
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21 April
Asda takeover may lead to higher petrol prices, CMA warns
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has raised concerns that the £6.8bn takeover of Asda could lead to higher petrol prices in some areas of the UK. The watchdog has been reviewing the sale by Walmart to the Issa Brothers and private equity firm TDR Capital since December 2020. The…
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20 April
Tesco fined £7.5m for out of date stock
Tesco has been fined over £7.5m after pleading guilty to selling food that was past its use by date across three Birmingham sites. Brought upon by Birmingham City Council (BCC) under the food safety and hygiene regulations 2013, the prosecution followed inspections at the group’s Bournville, Rubery, and Birmingham city…
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