Consumer watchdog names UK’s worst supermarket

Co-op has been named as the worst UK supermarket for the second time consecutively.

Consumer watchdog Which? in its annual supermarket survey has labelled Co-op as UK’s least favourite supermarket after receiving a customer score of just 61 percent. Customers described the symbol group retailer as “expensive”, “always crowded” and with “long queues at checkout” in the survey.

For the annual survey, the watchdog surveyed 3,057 members of the public in October 2021, quizzing them on their experiences with the supermarkets they use most often.

M&S topped the list with a customer score of 78 percent, receiving five stars for store appearance, customer service and the quality of its own-brand and fresh products. M&S is followed by Aldi which shoppers described as “cheap and cheerful”.

There was also a strong performance from the UK’s other major discounter Lidl (73 percent), as consumers face up to the cost-of-living crisis. Waitrose ranked third with 75 percent but suffered lower scores on value for money.

“Shoppers have chosen M&S as their favourite supermarket for a great in-store shopping experience and quality products,” said Which? magazine editor Harry Rose.

“But with the cost of living continuing to rise, many people are looking for quality at the cheapest possible price, and this is reflected by a strong showing in our research for some of the least expensive supermarkets.”

Reacting to the survey’s findings, a Co-op spokesman said, “Which?’s results are based on a sample of just over 200 people but each week more than 15 million shoppers overwhelmingly vote with their feet and visit our community stores.

“They choose Co-op for quick and friendly service from our colleagues and to buy our award-winning food and drink and honest value range, which offers ethically sourced Fairtrade and 100% British meat products at a fair price to shoppers.”