Marks & Spencer crowned UK’s fastest growing supermarket as turnaround gathers pace

Marks & Spencer is the country’s fastest growing supermarket as its turnaround gathers pace.

In a boost for boss Stuart Machin, data from research group Kantar showed M&S’s sales increased 12.4 per cent in September. That was the biggest increase in the sector, surpassing gains by rivals Tesco and Sainsbury’s, and discounters Aldi and Lidl.

Waitrose, one of M&S’s main competitors in the battle for middle-class shoppers, saw growth of just 1.9 per cent. 

Under Machin’s leadership, M&S has invested in larger food halls and launched new products.

It is benefiting from more shoppers doing their weekly shop with them as opposed to being seen as a retailer for treats.

Kantar said Tesco has snagged its highest market share in almost seven years but private equity- owned grocer Asda flounders, its share falling from 13.7 per cent to 12.6 per cent.

Sainsbury’s market share rose to 15.2 per cent from 14.8 per cent a year ago.

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