Lidl has reported its strongest Christmas trading period in the UK, with sales rising 7 per cent year-on-year in the four weeks to 24 December, surpassing the £1 billion mark for the first time.
An extra two million shoppers visited its stores over the festive season, attracted by its discounted champagne and “affordable” party food range, leading to sales jumping by almost a third.
The German-owned grocery store revealed a 25 per cent increase in champagne sales, the equivalent of 11 million glasses, while British turkey remained a favourite, selling at a rate of one every second. Customers also received 16 million pigs in blankets, 8 million balls of stuffing, and 2 million liters of broth.
Lidl GB chief executive Ryan McDonnell said the retailer’s combination of “unbeatable quality and value” had attracted more shoppers than ever before, adding that the company would “build on our momentum” through continued store openings and competitive pricing.
Lidl’s market share has continued to rise as rising costs of living push consumers to seek value. Industry analysts at Kantar recently named Lidl as the fastest-growing brick-and-mortar grocery company in the country, closing in on Morrisons’ position as the UK’s fifth-largest supermarket.
Although it represents slower growth than the 12 per cent increase recorded during the same period last year – when inflation on food and drink was most pronounced – Lidl’s performance stands out as many shoppers rein in spending in supermarkets to focus on smaller pleasures. Like cosmetics. and entertainment products.
The supermarket sector will face further scrutiny next week, as Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer reveal their festive figures. Meanwhile, the British Retail Consortium warned of potential “spending pressure” in January, with consumer confidence taking a hit towards the end of the year.
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