Fall in supermarket chain sales

Walmart owned supermarket chain Asda has reported a fall in second quarter sales as shoppers begin to feel the pinch of the economy. According to research conducted by Kantar Worldpanel, Asda’s market share has dropped in the 12 weeks ending July 11. Asda’s chief executive, Andy Clarke, said that “These are increasingly uncertain times for millions of families across the UK.”

Currently, UK families are facing the lowest level of disposable income in the final quarter for two years. With a lower amount of disposable income, it is likely that fewer impulse purchases are being made on the large range of goods which the supermarket stocks.  Although sales for Asda are down, the figures were released as the US based owner Walmart announced a 3.6% growth in profit.