RECORD FOOTFALL DRIVES GROWTH FOR LIDL GB IN FESTIVE PERIOD

• Lidl GB overall sales grew by +2.6% year-on-year (YoY) and +21% on a 2-year basis[1]
• The discounter was the fastest growing bricks and mortar retailer YoY[2] and achieved £21m switching gains from other grocers[3]
• Lidl Christmas jumpers were the fastest selling product in the Middle of Lidl aisle, with one sold every two seconds on first day of sale[4]

11th January 2022:  Lidl GB was the fastest growing bricks and mortar retailer for the second year running[5] during the Christmas period, as sales at the discounter increased +2.6% YoY and +21% on a two-year basis[6].

The discounter also achieved record footfall levels in the week leading up to Christmas, with footfall up +14% YoY[7] on its busiest day - the 23rd December - whilst customers switched £21m of spend to Lidl GB[8] across December.

The Lidl Christmas jumpers played a starring role on and off screen after featuring in the discounter’s Christmas advert, becoming the fastest selling product in the Middle of Lidl aisle[9] during the festive period, with approximately one jumper sold every two seconds on its first day of sale[10]. With more families able to spend time with loved ones this year, customers were clearly feeling generous, buying over 8 million Christmas cards and a million rolls of wrapping paper, whilst the Lidl gift of choice was the retailer’s scented candles (over half a million sold)[11].

When it came to Christmas dinner, lamb proved a popular alternative to turkey with sales up +21% YoY and up +65.4% on a 2-year basis[12]. However, the classic Christmas Pudding still took centre stage on the dessert table with sales up over +23% YoY, and sparkling wine remained the tipple of choice with sales up +24% YoY[13].

Christian Härtnagel, Lidl GB CEO said: “Despite ongoing challenges with the pandemic, customers continued to find ways to celebrate this Christmas. Our high quality, low priced festive ranges proved a hit, helping us achieve a record Christmas with footfall and sales beating the previous two years. 

“Our Lidl Christmas jumpers were clearly a winner in the style stakes, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see customers wearing theirs all year round.”

“As ever, none of what we do would be possible without the hard work of our colleagues across the country and our suppliers. I cannot thank them enough for their efforts during this period as we continued to navigate the industry challenges to provide for our customers, ensuring all stores were well stocked.

“As inflation continues to rise, I want to reassure each and every one of our customers that we remain resolute in our promise of being the destination for the lowest grocery prices in the market.”

For the fourth year in a row, Lidl GB ran its food donation programme in the month of December and on Christmas Eve. Stores supported local charities and ended the year with nearly 5.5m meals donated. The products were donated via Lidl’s Feed it Back scheme in partnership with Neighbourly.

In December Lidl opened eight new stores across the country, and its store expansion plans also continue at pace with a number sites opening in January, including in London and Liverpool.

ENDS

About Lidl GB

Since establishing itself in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl GB has experienced continuous growth and today has over 26,000 employees, over 890 stores and 13 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales.

As part of the Schwarz retail group, Lidl is one of Europe’s leading organisations in the food retail industry. The supermarket, which has more than 341,000 employees globally, currently operates approximately 11,550 stores and more than 200 warehouses and distribution centres in 30 countries.

The supermarket takes pride in providing its customers with the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices throughout Great Britain, from Kirkwall to the Isle of Wight. Social responsibility and sustainability are at the core of the company's daily operations, with the company placing a strong emphasis on its responsibility for people, society, and the environment. Lidl GB is passionate about working with British producers and sources two thirds of its products from British suppliers.

The Schwarz Group, which operates worldwide as a retail group, generated a turnover of €125.3 billion in the financial year 2020.

For more information about Lidl GB visit https://corporate.lidl.co.uk/

[1] Kantar data, 4 weeks ended 26th December 2021

[2] Kantar data, 4 weeks ended 26th December 2021

[3] Kantar data, 4 weeks ended 26th December 2021

[4] Lidl data jumpers went on sale on 28th November 2021

[5] Excluding online specialist Ocado, Kantar data, 4 weeks ending 26th December 2021

[6] Kantar data, 4 weeks ended 26th December 2021

[7] Lidl data, 4 weeks ended 26th December 2021

[8] Kantar data, 4 weeks ended 26th December 2021

[9] Lidl data, 4 weeks ended 26th December 2021

[10] Lidl data, jumpers went on sale on 28th November 2021

[11] Lidl data, 4 weeks ended 26th December 2021

[12] Lidl data, 4 weeks ended 26th December 2021

[13] Lidl data, 4 weeks ended 26th December 2021