Lidl sales jump 7% over ‘record’ Christmas period

Lidl has hailed a jump in sales over Christmas as shoppers turned to the discount retailer to buy their champagne and party food.

The discount supermarket chain revealed that sales increased by 7% year-on-year, as turnover surpassed £1 billion over the four weeks to December 24.

It said it was a “record” festive period for the retailer.

The figures represent continued solid growth at the retailer, which grew its share of the UK grocery market in 2024 as it attracted more shoppers and opened more stores.

In December, industry analysts at Kantar reported that Lidl was the fastest growing bricks-and-mortar grocer over the past quarter, as it closes in on Morrisons’ position as the UK’s fifth largest supermarket group.

Nevertheless, the latest festive performance reflected slower growth than the 12% increase in sales over the same four week period a year earlier, when it also benefited from higher food and drink inflation.

Lidl GB said on Thursday that it welcomed almost two million more customers than ever before over the key festive season.

It said it sold more than 16 million pigs in blankets and eight million stuffing balls over the period.

The grocer added that sales were supported by strong demand for its affordable party food, with sales of its Partytime range jumping by 32%.

Meanwhile, sales of champagne grew by 25% for the period.

Ryan McDonnell, chief executive officer at Lidl GB, said: “For three decades, Lidl has been providing households with access to unbeatable quality and value at Christmas.

“This year, we were thrilled to welcome more customers than ever before.

“Looking ahead, we’re excited to build on our momentum, growing our presence across the country and continuing to deliver the highest quality at the best prices on the market.”