Tesco says its UK online sales returned to growth over the autumn and in the run up to Christmas. The supermarket reports in a trading update today that about 13% of its sales took place online in the 19 weeks to January 7. Over the same period its sales grew by 6.1% in the UK, and 6.4% across the group.
Online sales are now 59% higher than before the pandemic as the supermarket’s ecommerce channel returned to growth, compared to last year. Sales were also ahead of last year at its large and convenience stores. Overall, says Tesco, it has maintained a strong share of the market at 27.5%, and says it is the only full-line grocer to increase its market share compared to before the pandemic.
Tesco focused on value through its Aldi price match, Clubcard prices and a lock on the prices of 1,000 everyday products until Easter. It focused on loyalty through its Clubcard scheme – with 4m customers receiving personalised coupons in its mobile app. At this same time sales of its Finest range grew by 8.2% as it gained sales from premium retailers and expanded its festive range.
Tesco chief executive Ken Murphy says: “I’m really pleased with our performance over this period – particularly the further strong growth at Christmas on top of the exceptional growth of the last few years. We’ve delivered a strong market share performance in the UK and ROI, Booker has continued to grow strongly despite a particularly tough catering backdrop and our Central European business has delivered its highest sales growth for many years.
“I’m extremely proud of the way Tesco has stepped forward to help customers dealing with tough times this Christmas. By delivering relentlessly on the strategic priorities that we set out 18 months ago, we have made sure that customers know that they will benefit from great value and quality in every part of their basket, however they choose to shop with us.”
Tesco is an Elite retailer in RXUK Top500 research.
