Grocery shoppers from the Republic of Ireland spent €65 million on groceries in Northern Ireland, the highest level for five years, over the 12 months to 4 November 2018, research shows.
“Over the past year just over one in eight households from the Republic of Ireland made at least one trip north of the border to do a grocery shop,” said Douglas Faughnan, consumer insight director at Kantar Worldpanel.
“That equates to more than 207,000 shoppers.”
Faughan highlighted that although these excursions account for a relatively small percentage of each family’s supermarket visits – on average, eight out of 270 annual trips – they spend substantially more when they cross the border.
“Shoppers from the Republic spent €38.50 on an average shop in Northern Ireland while the average spend back home is €23.70. This is likely to be because they want to make the extra effort worthwhile.”
Cross-border
The latest grocery market share figures from Kantar Worldpanel show that alcohol is the biggest biggest attraction for shoppers looking for a cross-border bargain.
“Of the €65 million spent by Republic of Ireland shoppers in Northern Ireland over the past year, a quarter went on alcohol, adding up to just over €16 million., attraction for shoppers looking for a cross-border bargain.” Faughnan explained.
“No other food or drink category comes close, with dairy products accounting for the next largest share of cross-border spend, at 5.9%.”
Halloween
In the four weeks of trading that preceded Halloween, the holiday generated an uplift of almost €30 million for supermarkets.
The research indicated that consumers stocked up on supplies for parties and trick or treating and confectionery sales were up 4% compared with the same period last year.
Meanwhile, 17% of Irish households bought a pumpkin this Halloween, spending a collective €1.5 million on the seasonal vegetable.
“With Halloween wrapped up and the arrival of the much-anticipated Christmas TV adverts this week, Irish shoppers are already getting excited for the festive season.,” Faughnan highlighted. In fact, more than 50,000 people had already bought a Christmas pudding by the 4 November.”
Strongest Growth
Aldi and Lidl have had a strong start to the run up to Christmas, increasing sales by 5.5% and 4.3% respectively during the 12 weeks ending 4 November 2018.
This is the second consecutive period when Aldi has been the best performing retailer, a feat it last achieved in August 2017. The grocer captured 11.7% of the overall market, with Lidl accounting for 11.7% of sales.
Dunnes improved on its 3.4% growth last period, with overall sales up 3.6%, ensuring the retailer remains in pole position as the battle for number one spot at Christmas intensifies.
Meanwhile, SuperValu and Tesco accounted for 21.4% and 21.3% of total sales respectively.
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
