Spending in symbol and independent stores has fallen year on year despite growth across the wider grocery market, new figures reveal.
Worldpanel by Numerator data shows sales through symbols and independents fell 2.9% year on year in the 12 weeks to 9 August, from £516m to £501m. Their market share also slipped from 1.5% to 1.4%.
It follows a 4.5% year-on-year fall in the 12 weeks to 12 July, with the channel continuing to decline even as overall grocery sales grow.
Across the total grocery market, sales increased 2.7% in the latest period. Co-op sales rose 5.1%, with its market share increasing from 5.4% to 5.5%.
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The decline comes despite signs the heatwave has boosted convenience spending. Previous Better Retailing reporting found hot weather added around £1,000 to the average store’s weekly takings, with strong sales of soft drinks, slush drinks and ice lollies.
The figures come as grocery inflation fell to 2.1% in the four weeks to 9 August – its lowest level since October 2024 and the fifth consecutive month in which price rises have eased.
Shoppers are increasingly seeking deals, with 31.3% of grocery sales involving a promotion during the latest four weeks, the highest proportion recorded this year.
Sally Ball, business unit director at Worldpanel by Numerator, said: “With inflation slowing again, this marks the fifth consecutive month of easing prices.”
She added: “The continued heat across the UK has certainly impacted the way people are eating and drinking.”
