Marks & Spencer takes the lead while Aldi shares third place with rivals.
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Aldi’s Recent Ranking Decline
Aldi, once celebrated as the cheapest supermarket in the UK, has recently fallen to third place in the latest supermarket league tables. This decline comes shortly after being awarded the title of the cheapest supermarket of the year, showcasing the intense competition in the grocery sector.
The survey, conducted by consumer brand Which?, involved over 2,600 shoppers evaluating various supermarkets based on multiple factors beyond just pricing, such as store appearance and staff helpfulness.
Marks & Spencer Takes the Lead
In an unexpected twist, luxury retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) has claimed the top spot with an impressive customer score of 79 percent.
While it received only three stars for “value for money,” customers praised M&S for the exceptional quality of its own-brand products and fresh offerings. Shoppers also highlighted the store’s short checkout queues and outstanding customer service as key factors contributing to their satisfaction. This suggests that many consumers are willing to pay a premium for a superior shopping experience.
Tesco’s Strong Performance
Tesco secured second place in the rankings with a solid customer score of 74 percent. However, it fell short of M&S in several critical areas, including staff availability, store appearance, and the effectiveness of self-service facilities. Reena Sewraz from Which? Retail noted that the survey results indicate that consumers prioritize a good shopping experience and quality products, which may explain M&S’s rise to the top. The findings suggest that while budget retailers like Aldi and Lidl attract price-conscious shoppers, those with more options may benefit from a mix of quality and affordability.
Aldi’s Joint Third Place
Aldi, along with Iceland and Waitrose, landed in a joint third place, each earning a customer score of 72 percent. Despite its reputation for affordability, Aldi struggled in several key areas, receiving only two out of five stars for overall customer service, staff availability, and store appearance. The budget retailer excelled only in the value for money category, where it received a higher score of four stars. This indicates that while Aldi remains a go-to option for budget-conscious consumers, it may need to improve its overall shopping experience to compete effectively.
Online Grocery Shopping Trends
In addition to in-store rankings, Which? also conducted a survey to identify the best online supermarkets. The results revealed that Ocado and Tesco emerged as joint winners, both achieving a customer score of 79 percent. Close behind were Waitrose and Sainsbury’s, highlighting the competitive landscape of online grocery shopping. As consumer preferences evolve, supermarkets must adapt to meet the demands of shoppers seeking both convenience and quality.
