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The Undisputed Leader in Market Share

tesco market share

Tesco Overview

Introduction to Tesco

Tesco, a multinational retail company headquartered in the United Kingdom, is one of the largest supermarket chains in the world. With over 7,000 stores and a diverse range of products, Tesco caters to the needs of millions of customers globally. The company offers a wide variety of products, including groceries, clothing, electronics, household items, and more.

Tesco’s mission is to serve its customers by providing great value, quality products, and excellent customer service. Over the years, Tesco has built a strong reputation for its commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience. The company continually strives to adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs and preferences of its customers.

Tesco’s Market Share

Market share is a crucial metric that indicates the proportion of the market controlled by a company. In 2013, Tesco reported a market share of 30.2% in the UK, representing a peak for the company in recent years. However, as of 2020, Tesco’s market share in the UK had fallen to 27.3%, marking a significant decrease from its 2013 peak (IIDE).

Despite the slight decrease in market share, Tesco remains one of the leading supermarket chains in the UK. As of 2021, Tesco holds a market share of 27.4%, indicating its continued prominence in the grocery retail industry.

Several factors have influenced Tesco’s market share over the years. The rise of discount chains like Aldi and Lidl in the UK has increased competition within the grocery retail industry, impacting Tesco’s market position (IIDE). Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 had a significant impact on consumer behavior and preferences, which also influenced Tesco’s market dynamics.

Understanding Tesco’s market share trends and the factors affecting its position in the retail industry is essential for analyzing the company’s performance and strategic decisions. In the following sections, we will explore the factors influencing Tesco’s market share, its strategies, financial performance, and recent changes in the grocery market landscape.

Factors Affecting Tesco’s Market Share

Tesco, one of the leading supermarket chains in the UK, has experienced fluctuations in its market share over the years. Several factors have contributed to these changes, including competition from discount chains and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Competition from Discount Chains

One of the key factors affecting Tesco’s market share is the rise of discount chains such as Aldi and Lidl. These discounters have gained popularity among consumers due to their competitive pricing strategies and focus on offering affordable products. As a result, consumers have shifted their preferences towards these discount chains, impacting the market share of traditional supermarkets like Tesco.

According to IIDE, Tesco’s market share in the UK stood at 30.2% in 2013, representing a peak for the company in recent years. However, by 2020, Tesco’s market share had declined to 27.3%, indicating a significant decrease from its previous peak. This decline can be attributed, in part, to the increased competition from discount chains.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the grocery retail industry, including Tesco’s market share dynamics. The pandemic brought about changes in consumer behavior and preferences, as individuals sought to adapt to the new circumstances.

During the pandemic, there was a surge in online shopping and home delivery services, as consumers looked for safer alternatives to in-store shopping. Tesco, with its established online presence and delivery infrastructure, was able to capitalize on this shift. The company ramped up its online operations, expanding its delivery slots and ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers.

However, the pandemic also presented challenges for Tesco and other supermarkets. Disruptions in the supply chain, panic-buying behavior, and increased operational costs due to safety measures impacted the overall performance of the company. Nevertheless, Tesco’s ability to swiftly adapt to the changing market conditions and meet the evolving needs of customers played a crucial role in mitigating the impact on its market share.

It’s important to note that Tesco’s market share is influenced by a multitude of factors, including its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. To gain a comprehensive understanding of Tesco’s market position, it’s essential to consider these factors holistically. For more insights, you can refer to our articles on Tesco’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Tesco’s Market Share Strategies

Tesco, one of the leading retail companies, has implemented various strategies to maintain and expand its market share. These strategies include focusing on online sales, leveraging digital engagement and customer loyalty programs, expanding fulfilment centers for rapid delivery, and launching an online marketplace.

Tesco’s Online Sales and Market Share

Tesco has recognized the growing importance of online sales in the retail industry. According to Diginomica, Tesco’s online sales make up 13% of the overall total, with a year-on-year growth rate of ten percent. This significant growth has led to a market share of around 36% post-pandemic.

To cater to the increasing demand for online shopping, Tesco has invested in enhancing its digital infrastructure and optimizing its online shopping experience. The company offers a user-friendly website and mobile app, providing customers with a convenient platform to browse and purchase products.

Digital Engagement and Customer Loyalty Programs

Tesco has also prioritized digital engagement and customer loyalty programs to strengthen its market share. The company has seen success with its digital Clubcard, with 7.5 million customers using it at the till and a 20% increase in customers engaging with Clubcard via the web app or phone wallet in the first half of the year, as reported by Diginomica.

Tesco leverages personalized coupons and offers to incentivize customer loyalty. In the first half of the year, Tesco issued 86 million personalized coupons to nearly 6 million customers. These personalized coupons have proven to deliver a four times greater return compared to non-personalized equivalents.

Expansion of Fulfilment Centers and Rapid Delivery Proposition

To meet the growing demand for fast and convenient delivery, Tesco has focused on expanding its fulfilment centers and rapid delivery proposition. The company has opened three urban fulfilment centers, enabling it to handle an additional one million orders per year. This expansion enhances Tesco’s capacity to fulfill online orders efficiently.

Tesco’s rapid delivery proposition, known as ‘Whoosh,’ has also seen expansion. According to Diginomica, ‘Whoosh’ has been extended to 400 additional stores, covering approximately 60% of the UK population. This service offers customers quick delivery options, further enhancing their shopping experience.

Tesco’s Online Marketplace

In a bid to diversify its offerings and attract a broader customer base, Tesco is set to launch an online marketplace. This marketplace will allow customers to shop for a wide range of third-party products alongside groceries. Initially, the focus will be on categories such as pet food, alcohol, and health & beauty products. The introduction of this online marketplace aims to provide customers with a comprehensive shopping experience and further solidify Tesco’s market share.

By implementing these market share strategies, Tesco continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences and strengthen its position in the retail industry. The company’s focus on online sales, digital engagement, rapid delivery, and the introduction of an online marketplace demonstrate its commitment to meeting customer needs and staying ahead of the competition.

Tesco’s Change Management Program

Tesco, a leading retail company, faced challenges that resulted in a declining market share. In response, the company implemented a comprehensive change management program to address these issues and regain its position as a market leader. Let’s explore the challenges faced by Tesco, the objectives of the change management program, and the outcomes and success it achieved.

Challenges and Declining Market Share

Tesco experienced a decline in its market share from January 2015 to March 2019, partially attributed to consumers shifting their preferences towards cheaper alternatives like Aldi and Lidl (Writix). The presence of Aldi and Lidl in certain areas also prevented Tesco from opening new stores, allowing Sainsbury’s to become the dominant supermarket in those regions (Writix).

To address these challenges, Tesco recognized the need to adapt its strategies and operations to remain competitive in a changing market. The company embarked on a change management program to revitalize its business and regain lost ground.

Objectives of the Change Management Program

The primary objectives of Tesco’s change management program were to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience, and regain market share. The program aimed to transform the company into a more customer-focused, agile, and profitable organization.

To achieve these objectives, Tesco focused on various aspects, including cost reduction, restructuring of operations, and strategic realignment. The company aimed to streamline its processes, optimize its supply chain, and enhance its product offerings to meet evolving customer demands.

Outcomes and Success of the Program

Tesco’s change management program resulted in positive outcomes, enabling the company to recover from declining sales and market share. By implementing cost-cutting measures and restructuring its operations, Tesco was able to compete more effectively with discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl (Writix).

The program also emphasized the importance of providing customers with competitive pricing, aligning with Tesco’s strategy to deliver great value consistently and attract new customers from competitors. Through these efforts, Tesco regained its position as a market leader and demonstrated its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics.

By successfully executing its change management program, Tesco not only addressed the challenges that led to declining market share but also positioned itself for future growth and success. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and customer-centricity played a significant role in its ability to overcome obstacles and regain its competitive edge.

As Tesco moves forward, it will continue to leverage the lessons learned from its change management program, ensuring that it remains responsive to evolving customer needs and maintains its position as a market leader in the retail industry.

Tesco’s Financial Performance and Market Share

Tesco’s financial performance and market share play a crucial role in assessing the company’s position in the retail industry. Let’s take a closer look at Tesco’s revenue and market share in the UK, its presence in Ireland and Asia, as well as its other revenue streams, including Tesco Bank.

Revenue and Market Share in the UK

Tesco, as one of the leading supermarket chains in the UK, has consistently demonstrated strong financial performance. In the last year, Tesco’s revenue increased by 7% to reach £53 billion, showcasing resilience and success in navigating challenges within the grocery sector, particularly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tesco’s market share in the UK remains significant, reflecting its strong position in the grocery market. While specific market share figures may vary over time, Tesco has maintained a considerable market presence with a large number of stores across the country. As of February 2021, Tesco had 2,952 stores in the UK, highlighting its extensive physical store network (Statista).

Tesco’s Presence in Ireland and Asia

Tesco PLC has established a notable presence outside of the UK, particularly in Ireland and Asia. In Ireland, Tesco holds a substantial market share in the grocery sector. For the 12 weeks ending August 22, 2021, Tesco’s market share in the Irish grocery market was 22.6%, positioning the company as a key player in the Irish retail landscape (Statista).

In terms of Asia, Tesco’s overall performance has been strong. During the fiscal year 2021, Tesco’s combined sales in Asia amounted to £3.7 billion. This highlights Tesco’s success in capturing market share and building a strong presence in the Asian retail market (Statista).

Tesco Bank and Other Revenue Streams

In addition to its retail operations, Tesco PLC has diversified its revenue streams through Tesco Bank. As a retail banking subsidiary, Tesco Bank has made a significant contribution to the group’s financial performance. In 2021, Tesco Bank reported a revenue of £819 million, highlighting its importance as an additional revenue stream for the company (Statista).

Tesco’s financial performance and market share in the UK, Ireland, and Asia demonstrate its strength as a leading player in the retail industry. The company’s ability to adapt to evolving market conditions, maintain a significant market presence, and diversify its revenue streams contribute to Tesco’s overall success.

Grocery Market Share in the UK

The grocery market in the UK is highly competitive, with several supermarket chains vying for market share. Understanding the landscape of supermarket chains, the growth of discounters, and the online grocery segment is crucial to comprehending the dynamics of the market.

Landscape of Supermarket Chains

The UK grocery market is characterized by a competitive landscape with various supermarket chains striving for dominance (Statista). The top four supermarket chains, including Tesco, hold a significant share of the grocery market, accounting for over two-thirds of the market share (Statista). These major supermarket chains have established a strong presence across the country, offering a wide range of products and services to cater to diverse consumer needs.

Growth of Discounters

In recent years, discount chains like Aldi and Lidl have witnessed substantial growth in market share, posing a challenge to traditional supermarket chains (Statista). These discounters have gained popularity among consumers with their competitive pricing strategies and focus on providing value for money. The rise of discounters has influenced consumer behavior, with many shoppers opting for more affordable alternatives to traditional supermarkets.

Online Grocery Segment

The online grocery segment in the UK has experienced significant growth in recent years. Consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms to shop for groceries, enjoying the convenience and flexibility it offers. This trend has been further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people turned to online shopping for their grocery needs. Online grocery sales have seen a substantial increase, and many supermarket chains, including Tesco, have expanded their online presence to meet the growing demand.

By embracing the online grocery segment, supermarket chains have been able to reach a wider customer base and provide a seamless shopping experience. This includes options for home delivery and click-and-collect services, allowing customers to choose the most convenient way to receive their groceries.

Understanding the evolving grocery market landscape, the growth of discounters, and the increasing prominence of the online grocery segment is essential for supermarket chains like Tesco to adapt their strategies and maintain a competitive edge in the industry. By continuously innovating and catering to changing consumer preferences, Tesco and other supermarket chains can strengthen their market share and meet the evolving needs of customers.

Recent Changes in Market Share

The market share of Tesco, one of the leading supermarket chains, has experienced recent changes in the competitive landscape. Let’s explore the dynamics between Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and other supermarkets, as well as the impact of a proposed merger and the closure of Tesco Direct.

Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Other Supermarkets

In the 12 weeks leading up to September 3, 2023, Tesco’s market share saw a slight decline of 0.3 percentage points, settling at 26.6%. On the other hand, Sainsbury’s market share experienced a modest increase of 0.1 percentage points, reaching 15.4% (Retail Gazette). Asda, another major competitor, maintained a flat market share of 14.4% during the same period. Morrisons, a prominent supermarket chain, encountered a slight dip in market share, falling 0.1 percentage point to 10.2%. Co-op managed to sustain its market share at 6.6%, while Iceland witnessed a small increase of 0.1 percentage point, reaching 1.0% (Retail Gazette).

Impact of Proposed Merger

As the supermarket industry evolves, proposed mergers can have a significant impact on market share dynamics. While there have been no specific details provided about a proposed merger, it’s important to closely monitor any potential developments that could influence the market share of Tesco and its competitors. Mergers can reshape the competitive landscape and alter market dynamics, potentially leading to changes in market share for Tesco and other supermarkets.

Closure of Tesco Direct

The closure of Tesco Direct, the company’s non-food website, had implications for its market share. Tesco Direct was a platform for various non-grocery items, including electronics, household goods, and clothing. However, the decision to close Tesco Direct in 2018 was driven by the desire to focus resources on the core grocery business. While the closure of Tesco Direct may have impacted Tesco’s overall market share in the non-food retail sector, it allowed the company to redirect its efforts towards enhancing the in-store and online grocery shopping experience.

Understanding the recent changes in market share is crucial for Tesco and its competitors to adapt their strategies and maintain their competitive edge. By closely monitoring market dynamics and consumer preferences, supermarket chains can implement effective measures to attract and retain customers, ultimately influencing their market share in the highly competitive retail industry.

Tesco’s Market Share in 2023

As of September 3, 2023, Tesco’s market share experienced a slight decline, falling by 0.3 percentage points to 26.6%. This decrease in market share can be attributed to various factors and intensified competition in the retail industry.

Market Share Trends

Tesco’s market share trend has shown a slight decline in recent months. While still maintaining a significant portion of the market, Tesco is facing competition from other supermarket chains, leading to a redistribution of market share among key players.

Competitor Performance

During the same period, Sainsbury’s market share increased by 0.1 percentage points to 15.4%. Asda’s market share remained stable at 14.4%, while Morrisons experienced a slight dip of 0.1 percentage point, settling at 10.2%. Co-op managed to maintain its market share at 6.6%. Iceland, on the other hand, saw an increase of 0.1 percentage point, reaching a market share of 1.0% (Retail Gazette).

The retail landscape is dynamic, and market shares can fluctuate over time due to various factors such as consumer preferences, competition, and market conditions. Tesco continues to face both traditional supermarket competitors and increasing pressure from discount chains and online grocery retailers. It is essential for Tesco to constantly adapt and refine its strategies to maintain and expand its market share in the future.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of Tesco’s market position, it is important to conduct a thorough SWOT analysis, considering the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats faced by the company. For more information on Tesco’s SWOT analysis, please refer to our article on tesco strengths, tesco weaknesses, opportunities for tesco, and threats to tesco.

Tesco’s Market Share Strategies

To maintain and enhance its market share, Tesco has implemented various strategies and initiatives. These include focusing on online sales, digital engagement, expansion of fulfillment centers, and launching an online marketplace. These efforts have allowed Tesco to adapt to changing consumer preferences and remain competitive in the grocery retail industry.

Tesco’s Online Sales and Market Share

In recent years, Tesco has recognized the importance of online sales and has made significant investments in its e-commerce platform. According to Diginomica, Tesco’s online sales make up 13% of the overall total, with a growth rate of ten percent year-on-year. This focus on online sales has contributed to Tesco’s market share of around 36% post-pandemic.

Digital Engagement and Customer Loyalty Programs

Tesco has also prioritized digital engagement and customer loyalty programs to strengthen its market position. As reported by Diginomica, Tesco has seen significant success with its digital Clubcard, with 7.5 million customers using it at the till and a 20% increase in customers engaging with Clubcard via the web app or phone wallet. Tesco has leveraged personalized coupons, issuing 86 million of them to nearly 6 million customers in the first half of the year. This personalized approach has resulted in a four times greater return compared to non-personalized equivalents.

Expansion of Fulfillment Centers and Rapid Delivery Proposition

Tesco has proactively expanded its fulfillment centers to meet the growing demand for online grocery shopping. According to Diginomica, Tesco has opened three urban fulfillment centers to handle an additional one million orders per year. Additionally, Tesco has expanded its rapid delivery proposition called ‘Whoosh’ to 400 additional stores, covering around 60% of the UK population. These initiatives have strengthened Tesco’s position in the online grocery segment and contributed to its market share growth.

Tesco’s Online Marketplace

Looking forward, Tesco is set to launch an online marketplace that will offer customers the ability to shop a broad range of third-party products alongside groceries. This online marketplace will initially focus on pet food, alcohol, and health & beauty products, as mentioned in Diginomica. By expanding its product offerings and diversifying revenue streams, Tesco aims to further solidify its market position and cater to evolving customer needs.

Through these market share strategies, Tesco has demonstrated its commitment to meeting the demands of modern consumers and maintaining its competitive edge in the grocery retail industry. By embracing digital transformation, enhancing customer loyalty programs, expanding fulfillment capabilities, and exploring new business opportunities, Tesco continues to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing market landscape.

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