RE: Ocado Retail8 Nov 2023 16:50
The overcapacity problem is clearly affecting profitability - this is a relatively new problem.
Also the perception by consumers that Ocado is expensive hasn't helped.
Most of the problems can be explained by what happened during and after Covid.
During Covid it was under capacity that was the problem, also there wasn't the same pressure on value - basically they could delivery up to capacity on high margins.
After Covid as it became clear that online shopping wasn't going to dominate and it was value that most consumers wanted, Ocado weren't best placed, but they were still going all out for expansion.
Hence, we reach the current situation with M&S now steering Ocado Retail towards value but maintaining the edge that they have for quality - the same message M&S promote in their stores.
M&S say today that the corner has been turned for Ocado Retail and I have no doubt Mr Machin is correct when he says that three years are still needed to realise the potential.