Dunnes Stores has managed to hold the top supermarket spot in Ireland for two consecutive months, a first for the retailer, according to Kantar Worldpanel Ireland figures.
For the twelve weeks ended 26 February, sales at Dunnes grew by 4.6%, and market share reached 22.9%, up 40 basis points on last year.
David Berry, director of the data firm, explained the retailer's endurance: “Dunnes’ shoppers are adding more to their baskets, helping the retailer to maintain the title of Ireland’s largest supermarket this month.
"The grocer’s 'Shop & Save' initiative is continuing to influence customers, with the average basket featuring an extra one and a half items – an additional €3 per trip and €25 million for the retailer in the past 12 weeks."
However, rival SuperValu is right behind the leader, with a 22.6% share of the market. Customers spent more than €1 more per trip, research showed, a sales increase of 5% (totalling €3 million).
The chain's plan to open three new outlets and revamp others should encourage a boost in sales, Berry said.
After three months of continual growth, competitor Tesco sales dropped by 1%, largely due to 11 days of staff strikes over contract disputes. Market share dropped 90 basis points to 21.7%.
Discounters Aldi and Lidl continued to soar, with sales increases of 5.3% and 4.1% respectively. Aldi had an additional 20,000 customers visit its stores during the 12 weeks, whereas Lidl saw its market share increase to 10.6%.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Karen Henderson. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
