Lidl GB, the British arm of the German discount supermarket giant, has capped off the 2025 holiday season with a record-breaking performance, reporting a 10% year-on-year surge in Christmas sales and reaffirming its reputation as the UK’s fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar grocer. According to figures released on January 2, 2026, and reported by Global Banking and Finance Review, Lidl’s turnover for the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve exceeded £1.1 billion (approximately $1.48 billion), marking a significant milestone for the retailer.
Nearly 51 million customers passed through Lidl’s doors during this festive period, representing an 8% increase compared to the previous year. This impressive influx meant almost four million more shoppers than in 2024, as noted by The Evening Standard. The retailer’s chief executive, Ryan McDonnell, attributed the success to Lidl’s ongoing expansion and commitment to affordability. "2025 was a record-breaking Christmas for Lidl – with more customers choosing to shop with us than ever before," McDonnell stated. "By continuing to invest in low prices and champion British food, all without compromising on quality, we’ve seen loyalty soar."
Lidl’s triumph this Christmas didn’t happen by accident. The company has been on a relentless growth trajectory, opening around 40 new shops in 2025 and celebrating the milestone of its 1,000th UK store in November. This expansion, as reported by Global Banking and Finance Review, has allowed Lidl to reach more communities nationwide, broadening its customer base and market share. Industry experts at Worldpanel now rank Lidl as Britain’s sixth-largest grocery chain, highlighting the retailer’s impressive market gains in recent months.
But what exactly drew shoppers to Lidl in such numbers this holiday season? The answer lies in a combination of value, variety, and strategic promotions. Best-selling products included cheese truckles, hand-cooked crisps in festive flavors like baked camembert and hot honey, and a vibrant array of seasonal fruits and vegetables. The retailer also reported a staggering 30 million mince pies sold from September onwards—a figure that dwarfs previous years and underscores just how early British households began their Christmas preparations in 2025. December 23 emerged as Lidl’s busiest shopping day, reflecting the last-minute rush that has become a holiday tradition for many families.
Seasonal produce was another standout, with Lidl selling 11,000 tonnes in the final week before Christmas alone—a 70% year-on-year increase. Easy-peeler clementines were particularly popular, their sales jumping nearly 40%. Meanwhile, the retailer’s Deluxe party food range saw triple-digit growth, and nearly 100 tonnes of pistachio-based products found their way into customers’ baskets, according to The Evening Standard. Champagne was also in high demand; sales of Comte de Senneval Champagne soared 260% among Lidl Plus loyalty program members during the busiest week.
Lidl’s loyalty scheme, Lidl Plus, played a pivotal role in this festive success. The number of active members jumped 28% in November, as reported by Manchester Evening News. This surge was likely driven by exclusive discounts, such as the £9.99 price tag on Champagne for members, and a broader push to reward regular shoppers. The loyalty program’s impact was evident not just in Champagne sales, but across a swath of holiday staples and treats.
Wooden toys, a perennial favorite in the retailer’s Middle of Lidl special buys, also enjoyed a banner year, with sales up nearly 25% year-on-year. This growth reflects both a trend toward traditional gifts and Lidl’s ability to anticipate and meet customer preferences during the holidays.
Beyond festive indulgence, Lidl’s value proposition remained front and center. For 21 weeks in 2025, Lidl was the cheapest supermarket in a weekly comparison of eight essential grocery items tracked by the Manchester Evening News. As of early January 2026, it retained this crown, with a typical basket—including bread, butter, milk, beans, tea, coffee, chicken, and mince—costing just £13.11. Aldi, Lidl’s closest competitor, was only two pence behind at £13.13, followed by Asda at £13.15. Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s trailed with slightly higher totals, but all were within a narrow band, underscoring the fierce competition among UK grocers.
Not all competitors were pleased with the methodology of these price comparisons. Aldi, for instance, argued that its products are of higher quality or larger size than those used in the comparison, while Sainsbury’s pointed to industry-wide factors affecting certain items like beef mince. A Sainsbury’s spokesperson emphasized, "This review of a limited number of products does not reflect the fantastic value our customers will find at Sainsbury’s. We are committed to offering the best possible value across a wide variety of products – whether that’s through our value Stamford Street range, Low Everyday Prices, Aldi Price Match or Nectar Prices." Aldi’s spokesperson added, "Our customers know they can always count on us for great value across the board, without needing to join a club or show a loyalty card. That’s why Which? has named us Cheapest Supermarket of the Year for four years running." Asda also challenged the findings, stating that its Just Essentials range is both the largest and the cheapest available, alongside Aldi’s.
Despite these debates, Lidl’s focus on value, British produce, and customer loyalty has paid off handsomely. CEO Ryan McDonnell reiterated the company’s commitment to further expansion and community support. "Looking ahead, we’ll continue to grow our footprint, invest in British produce, and deepen support for local communities, delivering even greater value for households across the nation," he said.
Lidl’s record-breaking Christmas comes at a time of heightened competition and shifting consumer habits in the UK grocery sector. As inflation and cost-of-living pressures continue to impact households, the battle for the title of Britain’s cheapest and most popular supermarket is fiercer than ever. Lidl’s ability to combine low prices, quality products, and a rapidly growing store network has set a high bar for its rivals as the new year unfolds.
With festive sales records shattered, customer numbers at an all-time high, and a reputation for unbeatable value, Lidl enters 2026 with momentum on its side—and the rest of the grocery sector watching closely.
