Lidl GB has celebrated a historic Christmas trading period, revealing that a staggering number of customers turned to the discounter for their festive groceries, driving sales to unprecedented heights.
Unprecedented Festive Figures
The German-owned supermarket chain announced a 10 per cent surge in sales during the crucial four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve. This performance generated a colossal turnover of more than £1.1 billion for its UK operations.
Shopper numbers also smashed records, with an 8 per cent year-on-year increase bringing nearly 51 million customers through its doors. This represents almost four million more shoppers than during the same period the previous year. December 23 was confirmed as the busiest single day for footfall.
What Drove the Festive Frenzy?
Ryan McDonnell, chief executive of Lidl GB, attributed the success to a steadfast commitment to value and quality. "By continuing to invest in low prices and champion British food, all without compromising on quality, we’ve seen loyalty soar," he stated.
The retailer's loyalty scheme, Lidl Plus, was a key driver, experiencing a 28% jump in active members during November. Specific products flew off the shelves, indicating early and sustained festive preparation:
- 30 million mince pies sold from September onwards.
- 11,000 tonnes of seasonal produce sold in the final week before Christmas, a 70% annual increase.
- Sales of easy-peeler clementines rose by nearly 40%.
- Its Comte de Senneval Champagne, priced at £9.99 for Lidl Plus members, saw a 260% sales increase in its busiest week.
- The revamped Deluxe party food range reported triple-digit growth.
The figures also capped a resurgent year for pistachios, with customers buying nearly 100 tonnes of pistachio-based products over the festive season.
Growth Trajectory and Market Position
Lidl's festive sales growth of 10% outperforms the 7% rise it recorded over the same month the previous year, solidifying its status as the fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar supermarket in the UK.
Mr McDonnell confirmed the group would "continue to grow our footprint", following the opening of around 40 new shops in 2025, taking its total UK estate to over 1,000 stores. According to industry experts at Worldpanel, Lidl is now Britain’s sixth-largest grocery chain and has made the biggest market share gains in the sector recently.
Analysts suggest that if this momentum continues, Lidl could overtake rival Morrisons to claim fifth place in the UK grocery market in the coming months. The announcement fires the starting gun on the retail sector's festive trading updates, with giants like Tesco and Sainsbury's set to report next week.
