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Discover the Biggest Supermarket Chains Across the UK

The United Kingdom is a place popular for students who want to pursue education abroad, immigrants who want to start a new career, and employees looking for a job overseas. And, this place got a lot of other things to be popular for and one such is supermarkets. Yes, TESCO is the biggest supermarket in UK and more such brands focus on customer satisfaction, convenience, and affordability. Let's take a quick look at all of them, their market share, and their perks in this blog.

Know about the Top 10 Supermarkets in UK from the graddinghomes experts

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A Quick Look into Supermarkets in UK

Do you know that the biggest supermarket in UK, Tesco has over 4,000 stores? Yes!

While everyone is aware of the term, supermarket, here is a quick idea of the ones in the UK.

The supermarket is a place where you can purchase goods at retail prices. They have a variety of products from food, groceries, household goods, and everything in one place. They are designed to make your shopping experience comfortable, convenient, and affordable. Some features that are common to find in the famous supermarket in UK are:

  • Self Service
  • In-house Brands
  • Membership Cards
  • Online Shopping
  • Home Delivery

Let's now take a look at the top 10 UK supermarkets to plan your visit.

Top 10 Supermarket Chains in UK

The UK is known for its supermarket chains. It is also known for a competitive market among the different brands that focus on customer service. They come up with different ideas to provide customer satisfaction and a comfortable experience. They vary from budget-friendly options to premium experiences. So, let's look at the top 10 grocery markets in UK:

1. TESCO

TESCO

As already mentioned, it is a retail giant in the UK. It has over 4,800 stores in the country. There is a wide range of goods available in these stores that cater to people from all segments of the society. The secret behind the growing popularity of this brand is customer satisfaction. It is a one-place for all. This is one of the popular food markets in UK that provides online service, home delivery, and loyalty points. Moreover, it has different types of stores at all locations to reach a wide customer base at their convenience. It has an extensive store network and online presence. However, it can be more expensive than the discounted rivals and the quality might vary across the stores.

  • Market Share:27%
  • Founded: 1919 by Jack Cohen
  • Headquarters: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
  • Total Stores in UK: 4,800+

2. Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s

This is one of the best supermarket chains in UK. It is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Moreover, it is known for its "Taste the Difference" range which gives an experience of Gourmet-style quality food. The best thing about Sainsbury is its loyalty program, Nector, where customers get points for their purchases that they can redeem for their next purchase at any outlet. The reason this has the upper hand over its competitors is because of the presence of local stores at convenient spots. Moreover, it offers products ranging from groceries, toys, and electronics in one place. This has higher prices compared to other budget chains. Moreover, the stores can be cramped as well.

  • Market Share:15%
  • Founded: 1869 by Jahn James Sainsbury
  • Headquarters: London
  • Total Stores in UK: 1,400+

3. ASDA

ASDA

Asda is the synonym for affordability. This is one of the most affordable supermarkets to visit in UK. It is popular among people for its rollback pricing, where it lowers its rates to gain customer loyalty and build declining sales. It also offers a lot of value-for-money products that make a good deal for the customers. This is a place with clothing, homeware, and non-food items making it a one-stop shop for families. However, customer service can vary from store to store and the freshness of food products is low compared to food-focused markets.

  • Market Share:14%
  • Founded: 1949
  • Headquarters: Leeds, West Yorkshire
  • Total Stores in UK: 600+

4. ALDI

ALDI

This is a business model with simplicity and speed. This is one of the biggest supermarkets in UK that limits choices but maximises value. It offers its brand products. Moreover, it is known for its affordable pricing and the best product quality. They also have weekly offers on non-food items that sell out super fast. It has extremely low prices, a fast shopping experience, and good-quality products. However, the products are limited and there are no loyalty programs like usual brands.

  • Market Share:10%
  • Founded: 1946
  • Headquarters: Germany
  • Total Stores in UK: 1,000+

5. Morrisons

Morrisons

This is one of the supermarket chains in UK that manufactures its own food. It emphasizes the freshness of food and produces meat and baked goods. It has in-store-produced goods that give it control over quality and pricing. Moreover, it has market-style butchers, bakers, and fishmongers in a separate market-street section. Though it has a limited online presence, it bridges the gap with its expansion of delivery services. However, it has a limited store network compared to its competitors.

  • Market Share:9%
  • Founded: 1899 by William Morrison
  • Headquarters: Bradford, West Yorkshire
  • Total Stores in UK: 500+

6. LIDL

LIDL

This is a German chain that is also known as the cheap supermarket in UK with a stronghold. It has high-quality products at surprisingly discounted prices. There are non-food product ranges that are rotated regularly to add an attraction element. It is also popular for the fresh produce and bakery that are good in quality and best in price. In addition, it has efficient store layouts for an easy experience. However, it has a limited variety of international brands and no delivery service.

  • Market Share:8%
  • Founded: 1930
  • Headquarters: Germany
  • Total Stores in UK: 960+

7. Co-op Food

Co-op Food

The co-operative group runs thousands of stores across UK. It is also known as Co-op. This is one of the UK supermarkets that are owned by its members who also share its profits. It is focused on ethical trading, sustainability, and fair trade products. It doesn't compete with the big brands on pricing. However, it holds a strong place in the local markets with stores at convenient neighbourhood. However, it holds a small product range that can be more expensive than its rivals.

  • Market Share:6%
  • Founded: 1844
  • Headquarters: Manchester
  • Total Stores in UK: 2500+

8. Waitrose

Waitrose

This is a premium as well as the biggest supermarket in UK. It is a part of the John Lewis Partnership. This is famous for its customer service, food source, and luxury items. It also has a loyalty program called myWaitrose that provides free newspapers, discounts, and coffee. In addition, it has a strong commitment to British farming and animal welfare policies. The calm and clean store environments add a cherry on the cake. However, it has fewer food markets in UK compared to others.

  • Market Share:4%
  • Founded: 1904
  • Headquarters: Bracknell, Berkshire
  • Total Stores in UK: 330+

9. Iceland

Iceland

This is a famous supermarket in UK that is known for frozen foods. It is dedicated to providing convenience, affordability, and frozen foods. It also expanded into fresh food and household goods. Moreover, it offers delivery service too. In addition, there are deals for every holiday. Thus, it is popular among budget-friendly customers and is known as the most affordable supermarket to visit in UK. It thus has a great collection of frozen foods but less variety in fresh produce.

  • Market Share:2%
  • Founded: 1907 by Malcolm Walker
  • Headquarters: Deeside, Wales
  • Total Stores in UK: 900+

10. Marks & Spencer Food

Marks & Spencer Food

M&S is one of the premium supermarkets to visit in UK. It is known for offering high-quality ready meals, snacks, baked goods, and more. These are popular among city centers and travel hubs. However, it has a lesser market share. On the other hand, it stands top for excellent quality, latest products, gourmet offerings, and seasonal offers. But, it can get expensive for regular shopping.

  • Market Share:2%
  • Founded: 1884
  • Headquarters: London
  • Total Stores in UK: 1,000+

These are the top 10 grocery markets in UK and their market shares. If you are someone moving to the UK and want to explore the streets or shop a bit, then you need some tips from our experts.

5+ Tips for Exploring Supermarkets in UK

If you are here and planning to visit the biggest supermarket in UK, you turn to TESCO. However, if you are looking for more options for a native feel, then check out these tips:

Know the Stores

There are three types of stores here. So, choose the one that matches your preferences and needs. Go express and local stores if you want something real-quick or a short trip at a slightly higher price. If you want to do proper shopping, go to superstores or hypermarkets. However, discount stores are best if you want unbeatable prices.

Try Own-Brand Products

You can always try own-brand products at supermarkets. These are of high quality at a slightly lower price as the brands pride in their products. Thus, try any cheap supermarket in UK that has a big name and get their brand products.

Check Timings

Always check for the right timing to bag the best deals. Early mornings and late evenings often get your fresh produce with expiry nearing at low prices. The mid-weeks are usually less crowded. So, choose the time wisely.

Look for Offers

There are always offers running even in the biggest shopping centre in UK. So, keep an eye on the Buy One and Get One Free or Buy 3 at the price of 2. Some supermarkets offer limited-time non-negotiable offers that you don't want to miss out on.

Use Loyalty Cards

Sign up at the top supermarkets. So, next time whenever you go for a purchase, you can get exclusive discounts and loyalty points. There are also a few that offer personalized offers and coupons. So, carry your loyalty cards all the time.

Carry Your Bags

There is a charge for plastic bags in UK. So, you can save those extra pennies if you carry a recyclable bag along with you. It also reduces plastic waste and saves some unnecessary expenses at the biggest supermarket in UK.

Don’t Miss Multicultural Aisles

If you are someone who wants to explore the diversity in the UK, then visit the International Aisle. There is usually an aisle dedicated to delicacies from different parts of the world. This is to give a picture of the diverse cultures that are embraced in the UK.

These are a few tips from our experts to ensure you have a great experience in the biggest supermarket in UK. You can try supermarket hopping for a better experience. Moreover, you can also try local stores and metros near your student accommodation in UK to know the locality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the UK is a great place with some big supermarket chains. You can explore these anytime. Moreover, this blog gives you an idea about the biggest supermarket chain and the top 10 places you can visit if you are in the UK. However, you can choose an option that is near to your student accommodation in London or the UK for regular purchases. In addition, you can visit the supermarkets once in a while for major purchases. In case, you want to learn more about these, then search online.

FAQs

1. Which Are the Biggest 4 Supermarkets in the UK?

The “TESCO,” “Sainsbury’s,” “Asda” and “Morrisons” are the biggest 4 supermarkets in the UK.

2. Which Are the Top 5 Retailers in the UK?

The "TESCO," "Amazon UK," "Sainsbury's," "Asda" and "John Lewis Partnership" are the top 5 retailers in the UK.

3. Which Supermarket Has the Biggest Market Share?

TESCO is the biggest supermarket with a market share of 27%.

4. How Does Online Shopping Affect the Biggest Supermarkets in the UK?

Online shopping has made the biggest supermarkets in the UK turn to online deliveries, mobile apps, and fulfillment centers to meet the changing demands of customers. Though it's convenient for customers, it adds pressure on profit margins and In-store purchasing.

5. Can I Shop Online from the Biggest Supermarkets in the UK?

Yes, you can shop online from the biggest supermarkets in the UK. They also offer home delivery, click-and-collect, and quick delivery options too.

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