Recession sees huge growth in discount stores

Date Published: 30-Oct-2008

THE rapid emergence of discount supermarkets in the west of Ireland has resulted in them commanding a significant market share – and there are plans to establish even more discount foodstores in the near future.

Most towns in County Galway have either an Aldi or Lidl – in some cases both – as the two groups are expected to command a ten per cent share of the grocery trade in Galway city and county by the end of the year.

This is according to the Consumers Association of Ireland who are advocating that shoppers should never do their business in the one retail outlet and it was always important to shop around – and not to forget the local corner shop either.

“It is well known at this stage that the cheapest fruit and vegetables can be purchased in Aldi or Lidl compared to the larger retail chains,” according to Michael Kilcoyne of the Consumers Association. But he advised consumers to be on the look out for special offers that the likes of Dunnes or Tesco have on a regular basis which can often work out much cheaper than the discount foodstores.

“The discount supermarkets are a welcome addition to the market place in that they create excellent competition for the bigger players who are now beginning to sit up and take notice”, Mr. Kilcoyne added.

At the moment there are …