After a month of strong growth, grocery sales in the UK took a step back in July, due largely to poor weather that dampened the traditional BBQ season.  Sales grew 4 percent in the four weeks ended August 8, 2009 compared to the same period a year ago, according to Nielsen’s monthly survey.  Unit growth was up 2.3 percent.
“The poor weather resulted in shoppers making fewer shopping trips this year.  But with grocers increasing promotional activity, with 33 percent of sales this month being on promotion, we expect monthly growth …

Sales at UK grocery stores increased 5.8% year-over-year during the latest three-month period ending August 9, 2008, with food inflation continuing to drive the sector’s growth. 
Sales were strongest at large, out-of-town supermarkets, where 7% year-over-year growth was recorded.  In contrast, sales growth at large, centrally-located grocery stores slowed to just 1% year-over-year.
Food retailers who trade on value and price propositions also performed well.  Iceland saw 13% year-over-year sales growth, while Morrisons grew by 9.1% over the same three-month period last year. 
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