Sales down at UK supermarkets as old habits return

SUPERMARKET sales continue to fall compared with a year ago as the end of lockdown restrictions sees shopping habits return to normal, according to a data analytics firm.

Kantar said sales dipped 1.9pc during the 12 weeks to September 5 compared with a year ago, but they are 8.7pc higher than pre-Covid levels.

Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight, said more people are going out shopping again, adding: ‘That suggests a hint of change, and could see shoppers shun the “big shop” in favour of more frequent top-up buying.’

Home cooking is starting to wane, with an 11pc rise in ready meal sales and he expects spending in cafes and coffee shops to rise.

Online grocery shopping also continues to fall, down from 13pc of the market four weeks ago to 12.2pc this month.

The average basket size was also down for online – nearly £17 compared with the peak at the start of the pandemic of £78.28.

Inflation is also biting, with prices up 1.3pc in the past four weeks compared with a year ago. Prices are rising fastest for savoury snacks, cat food and cakes and pastries while falling in fresh bacon, vegetables and cooking sauces.

Only Waitrose and Tesco saw sales rise, up 2.2pc and 0.2pc respectively.