Consumers more satisfied with discount retailers than major supermarkets

Over the past couple of years discount supermarkets have become increasingly popular amongst consumers, and this is due to the financial problems that many households have faced, which has forced them to seek out ways in which they can save money on their monthly outgoings such as their shopping bills.

Many have started to use discount supermarkets in addition to or instead of the major supermarket giants, and a recent poll has shown that customers seem to be more satisfied with these discount stores compared to the supermarket giants.

A recent report has shown that when it comes to the affections of customers, discount stores such as Lidl and Aldi have rated higher than the big name supermarkets such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda. The measure of customer satisfaction showed that the discount retailers managed to score an impressive 61 percent in terms of customer satisfaction. The big name supermarkets, on the other hand, did not do as well.

Asda and Tesco both scored less than 50 percent in the customer satisfaction polls, and the most popular of the supermarket chains, Sainsbury’s, only scored 58 percent which was still less than the discount supermarkets.

Waitrose fared better than the discount stores, scoring an impressive 79 percent when it came to customer satisfaction levels. The study was carried out by consumer campaign group Which? and involved looking at areas such as staff attitudes, prices, and choice.

A spokesperson for Which? stated: ‘The success of some budget supermarkets in our survey proves that savvy shoppers can make the most of their money without compromising on quality. UK shoppers want the whole package – great value for money, a wide range of quality products and a pleasant shopping environment. It’s not rocket science, but those supermarkets that consistently get it wrong should beware – shoppers will vote with their feet and take their business elsewhere.’

Tags: quality products, tesco, Wal-Mart, Waitrose, business, supermarket chains, Asda

Shoppers get extra time over VAT rise

As most people are already aware the start of this year kicked off with the level of VAT being put back up to its original level of 17.5 percent. The level of VAT was reduced by the government last year from 17.5 percent to 15 percent in the hope that this would help consumers to save money, improve finances, and kick start the economy. However, the measure was a temporary one that has now come to an end, which means that in most places prices will now include VAT at 17.5 percent. Read more

Tags: Taxation, Tax reform, john lewis, Asda, Value added tax

Shopper panic buying due to weather

The past week has seen the weather in the UK take a nasty turn, and what started off as a cold snap is now being described as a big freeze, with roads and pavements across the UK covered in snow and ice, and conditions becoming increasingly dangerous for both pedestrians and drivers across the country. Read more

Tags: Grit, United Kingdom, weather, Asda, hot food, supermarket

Supermarkets try to win back customers from discount stores

Over the past year households have been facing a tough time in relation to their finances, with soaring inflation and bills coupled with tighter credit conditions impacting hugely on household budgets. Amongst the products that have seen prices rocket are food products, and for many households the cost of the weekly or monthly shop has gone through the roof, making it even more difficult to make ends meet financially. Read more

Tags: measures, Commerce, supermarkets, Lidl, discount stores, money, autumn, Asda

Supermarket giants try to entice customers back

With food prices having soared out of control, in addition to the range of other hikes in bills and living costs, many people have been struggling to make ends meet when it comes to the household budget. Consumers have tried to make a range of cutbacks in order to try and make their money stretch further, and for many this has meant switching from the more expensive supermarket giants such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrison’s, and turning to discount grocery stores such as Aldi, Netto, and Lidl. Read more

Tags: recent additions, credit crunch, Retailing, price, Asda