Supermarkets Adapt to Changing Shopping Habits in Wake of COVID-19 Pandemic

According to data compiled by Kantar, an analyst firm, there have been five key changes in shopping habits: 1.

People are visiting supermarkets less often, but spending more when they do shop.

2.

The shift to online shopping has slowed, with 11.7% of UK grocery spending happening online, down from a peak of 15.4% in February 2021.

3.

Own-label products have become more popular, with 51% of grocery sales now being own brand, up from 45% in 2005.

4.

The discounters Aldi and Lidl have seen a significant increase in sales, with more than 23% growth year-on-year in the 12 weeks to 14 May.

5.

Customers are turning to loyalty schemes to get discounts.

Supermarkets are increasingly relying on loyalty schemes instead of in-store deals to offer discounts to customers.

The number of in-store deals has dropped from 40% in 2014 to 25% today, according to Kantar.

Loyalty schemes used to be about collecting points for experiences, but have been revamped to offer in-store or personalised deals.

Recently launched examples include Tesco's Clubcard Prices scheme, Morrisons More, and Lidl Plus.

In order to access these promotions, shoppers must scan their card or app at checkout.

Retailers can collect data on shoppers and sell it to brands for marketing purposes.

Loyalty schemes are not necessarily about improving loyalty, as most shoppers are members of multiple schemes.

There is now an unlimited number of loyalty scheme apps that customers can have on their phones.