Discount supermarket giant Aldi has announced a bumper Christmas trading period, pulling in a colossal £1.65 billion in sales during the key festive month. The figures highlight the chain's continued appeal to cost-conscious British shoppers.
A Record-Breaking Festive Rush
The retailer processed a staggering 57 million customer transactions in the run-up to Christmas, marking a new record for the chain. Total sales for the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve rose by a solid 3 per cent. The busiest period was the final week before the holiday, where sales surged by more than 5 per cent as shoppers made their last-minute purchases.
Despite the impressive haul, Aldi noted that sales growth had marginally slowed compared to the previous Christmas season. The company stated that price remains the paramount concern for its customers, underscoring the ongoing financial pressures on household budgets.
Trading Up to Premium Lines
In a notable trend, customers were not just buying the basics. Many chose to trade up to Aldi's premium own-label range, Specially Selected, which enjoyed a significant sales increase of over 12 per cent. This indicates that shoppers are seeking both value and quality for their festive celebrations.
Giles Hurley, the Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, commented on the results. He stated that the period proved that "a quality Christmas can still be affordable" for families across the country.
Investing in Future Growth
Buoyed by this strong performance, Aldi is pressing ahead with significant expansion plans. The company has committed to investing £1.6 billion over the coming years, with a focus on opening 80 new stores across the UK. This move is set to create thousands of new jobs and increase the discounter's footprint in the highly competitive grocery market.
The announcement, made on Monday 5 January 2026, solidifies Aldi's position as a major force in UK retail, successfully navigating the challenging economic climate by sticking to its core promise of low prices without compromising on festive quality.
