Breakfast briefing: Retail news on Tesco, Asos and Christmas price cuts

Tesco continues to lose ground to Aldi, Dunnes Stores and Lidl in Ireland

Supermarket giant Tesco is continuing to suffer a further decline in market share in Ireland, The Irish Times reported. According to statistics from research company Kantar Worldpanel for the 12 weeks to November 10, the UK grocer is currently being outperformed by Dunnes Stores, Aldi and Lidl in the Irish groceries market. Tesco has recorded a 6% drop in sales, leading to a 1.5% fall in its share of the Irish grocery market. The retailer still retains the largest market share at 26.5%, but Dunnes is catching up, increasing its share to 23.6%. Dunnes performed ahead of the market for the third successive month. Aldi’s market share grew tp 7.4% and fellow German discount retailer Lidl’s increased to 6.9%.

Asos non-executive director Mary Turner to exit

Asos’ non-executive director Mary Turner will step down from the online retailer’s board at the conclusion of the annual general meeting on December 4, Stock Marketwire reported. Turner has served over four years.

Asos chariman Brian McBride said: “I would like to thank Mary for the significant part she has played during the last four years, a period of immense growth and development for the company. She has shown much insight and has helped the Board formulate its successful strategy. On behalf of the board, I would like to express our gratitude.”

Some 44% of small and medium-sized online retailers to cut prices for Christmas sales

Some 44% of the UK’s small and medium-sized web retailers will be cutting prices to help boost sales in the run-up to Christmas, the Express reported citing a Royal Mail study. The poll of 458 online retailers found November 30 is expected to be the busiest Christmas online sales day as customers attempt to allow enough time for products to be delivered. However, Cyber Monday, traditionally the biggest online shopping day, is expected to fall on December 2 this year. Just under a third of those surveyed said keeping prices competitive while still making a profit was their biggest challenge. Online retailers believed their main competition will come from web rivals rather than the high street.