Symbol groups and independent retailers saw a 25.8% annual decrease in consumer spend, according to the latest Kantar figures.

In figures for the 12 weeks to 11 July, 2021, independent retailers saw their market share fall from 2.3% to 1.8%. This represented a fall in total spend during the period from £735m to £545m. However, the majority of supermarkets within the latest results also experienced decline, with the exception of Waitrose (0.1%), online retailer Ocado (3%) and Aldi (0%).

Convenience store sales fall 19% in past month says Kantar

Commenting on the data, Kantar head of retail and consumer insight Fraser McKevitt said: “Iceland, Co-op and independent stores received a boost in the early days of the pandemic as people shopped closer to home.

“In comparison with 2020, these grocers’ market share has fallen this year, but all three experienced double-digit sales growth.”

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