UK roundup: latest results and store renewals

In this instalment, our UK analysts offer their take on some of the market’s latest developments and initiatives. Here’s what you need to know about:

• Sainsbury’s half-year results: grocery continues strong sales performance 

• Ocado reaches 2.1% market share in latest Worldpanel data

• Asda’s renewal of its Harrogate store reveals a simplified vision for success

• Co-op announces 50 store boost by end of 2025

• Lidl preparing roll out of scan and shop handsets

• Waitrose invests £1m to support farmers in regenerative transition

Sainsbury’s half-year results: grocery continues strong sales performance 

Sainsbury’s reported half-year results covering the 28 weeks to 13 September 2025 reveal grocery sales were in 5.3% growth, Sainsbury’s general merchandise & clothing sales were up 3.3%, and Argos sales were up 2.3%. Total sales (inc. VAT, exc. fuel) were up 5.2% to £15.6 bn, with underlying operating profit reaching £504m. The retailer said amplified messaging on value and quality helped to grow the number of shoppers carrying out £80+ big-basket shops, a key factor in its performance.

Senior Insight Analyst, Alex Rowberry‘s view: Sainsbury’s disclosed Aldi Price Match and Taste the Difference products featured in 65% of shoppers’ baskets, rewarding its dual approach to shopper messaging throughout the summer. However, as the market gears up for the all important festive season, it indicates shoppers are still looking to manage budgets.

Ocado reaches 2.1% market share in latest Worldpanel data

Ocado Retail has seen its share of the market reach 2.1% in the latest grocery market share data by Worldpanel, covering the 12 weeks to 2 November 2025. Ocado’s sales growth for the period of 15.9% was its highest rate of growth since April 2021. Lidl with 10.8% growth and M&S with 8.8% growth were the second and third fastest growing retailers. They were followed by Tesco at 5.9%, Sainsbury’s at 5.2%, Iceland at 4.9%, Aldi at 4.4%, Waitrose at 3.8%, and Morrisons at 2.3%. Co-op's sales declined 1.4%, Asda’s sales declined 3.9%.

Senior Insight Analyst, Alex Rowberry‘s view: Ocado’s continued run of double digit growth is rewarded with its highest market share in Worldpanel’s data. The research company stated online, with 11% growth, was the fastest growing channel in the period. Tesco and Lidl’s sales success saw both businesses grow market share by 0.5 percentage points compared to last year.

Asda’s renewal of its Harrogate store reveals a simplified vision for success 

Asda has completed the refurbishment of its Harrogate supermarket site. The retailer said the store showcased a simpler and more intuitive vision for its large stores that modernises and improves the shopping experience. Upgrades include feature lighting and clearer in-store signage for key categories, as well as a brand new George Home and general merchandise area. Fresh produce, beers, wines and spirits, the instore bakery and health and beauty sections have all received upgrades as part of the retailer’s £12m investment into seven north of England stores.

Senior Insight Analyst, Alex Rowberry‘s view: in terms of store upgrades, Asda is playing catch-up compared to the progress from Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Working with a limited budget across seven stores, it has focused investment in areas seen as key for growth. A notable difference to rivals, is the expansion of general merchandise, which is an area of strength for Asda despite the sector’s wider struggles.

Co-op announces 50 store boost by end of 2025

Major convenience retailer Co-op will complete 50 store development projects between now and the end of the current year, comprising a mix of new and refurbished sites. This will round off an annual investment programme spending £200m on over 200 stores in the 2024/25 financial period. Included in the 50 is Co-op as the first permanent retailer at the new Brent Cross Town development in London, five new micro-format ‘on the go’ stores and a new franchise store on Lancaster University campus. This will take the number of university campus Co-op franchise stores to 11.

Insight Partner, Patrick Mitchell-Fox’s view: the scope of these store development projects shows how Co-op is bringing focus to a number of key opportunities in the UK retail landscape. University stores offer a great way to develop a younger customer base. Meanwhile the new ‘on the go’ sites (with the third now operational on High Street, Aylesbury) target the fast-growing demand for food for immediate consumption in town centres.

Lidl preparing roll out of scan and shop handsets

Lidl is preparing to roll out scan and shop handsets in the UK. As reported by The Grocer, Lidl has filed a trademark in the UK and Europe for ‘Lidl & Go’. The trademark will apply to digital payment systems across hardware and software including “customer-operated electronic terminals available on-site in retail stores”.

Senior Insight Analyst, Alex Rowberry‘s view: This latest news builds on the ‘friends and family’ trial of scan and shop within the Lidl Plus app currently taking place at four sites. The flexibility of using either a handset or app will overcome the limited space in stores for handset charging stations, increasing shopper take up of the feature. If combined with the recently launched Lidl Pay feature, it raises the possibility of a faster checkout experience for shoppers, in line with recent developments to Sainsbury’s SmartShop handsets.

Waitrose opens 'Home of Food Lovers' store

Waitrose has unveiled its inaugural ‘home of food lovers’ concept store in Newbury, marking a pivotal step in its strategy to become the preferred destination for food enthusiasts. The 27,000 sq ft site is designed around outstanding quality, expert service, and ethically sourced products, bolstered by a record £50 million investment in store technology. Key new features include a five-metre ‘cheese island,’ modernised counters offering a ‘meal maker’ service, an expanded in-store bakery, a revitalised fruit and veg department, and a new Waite & Rose café. These additions, along with staff trialling an AI-app for product information, position the store as a crucial testing ground for concepts to be rolled out across the wider estate.

Insight Manager Sneha Haria’s view: Waitrose is making a strategic move to reinforce its premium status and stand out from competitors by investing in shopper services and in-store activation. The retailer’s focus on staff-oriented AI and digital tools also highlights its commitment to efficiency. The Newbury concept store serves as a model for building customer loyalty, maintaining an upmarket position and is a step up from its previous store upgrades.

Waitrose invests £1m to support farmers in regenerative transition

Waitrose has pledged £1m to accelerate its Farming for Nature programme, as part of its goal to have all UK farms adopt regenerative practices by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2035. In partnership with farm measurement tool Soil Association Exchange, the initiative will support 2,000 British farmers in their transition to regenerative methods through a four-year programme to track soil health, biodiversity, carbon, and animal welfare. To ensure success, Soil Association Exchange will work closely with partners such as LEAF and Land App. Waitrose will also offer free access to the Regenified certification for 100 farms, enabling farmers to track their improvements.

Supply Chain Analyst, Soline Duriez’s view: Waitrose’s investment represents a crucial step towards building a resilient food system. Earlier this year, Tesco also committed substantial funding to support farmers in adopting regenerative practices, showing that this shift is gaining momentum across the UK. As climate pressures and food security challenges intensify, more retailers will need to follow suit.

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