Lidl attracted 43 million additional customer visits through its doors in the UK last year, as the discounter won over shoppers from competitors to grab a record market share.
The increased demand led to a 10.8% rise in turnover to £13bn in the 12 months to 28 February, Lidl revealed this morning. The launch of its ‘More to Value’ brand platform during the period further accelerated the discounter’s growth, while the supermarket said it experienced more than £650m in direct switching from competitors.
Higher customer footfall also helped the chain sell 486 million more products year on year, with growth across all core categories such as Meat, poultry and fruit & vegetables and a 12% boost in sales for its Deluxe range.
Operating profits increased 9.9% in the period to £345m.
The chain attributed the success to £315m in price cuts during the year, as well as store expansion and digital innovation, with Lidl Plus winning over shoppers and recording a 23% increase in users year on year.
Lidl Plus remained an important focus for the supermarket in 2026 and is set for an increase in investment, including a 60% boost in funding for personalised coupons and the roll out of Lidl & Go.
Lidl’s UK estate reached the 1,000 mark last year as the chain opened more than 40 more shops, as well as investing £43m in upgrades at 70 sites.
Looking ahead, its expansion is set to continue with more than 50 stores opening planned in the new financial year as part of a £600m investment.
Lidl became the UK’s fifth-largest supermarket in May this year, with three in five households now shopping at the discounter, according to the latest market share data from Worldpanel. And it has been the fastest-growing bricks & mortar retailer for more than three years.
Discounter rival Aldi last week reported flat profits and a 5% rise in revenues.
“Our performance is a clear testament to the trust that millions of customers place in us every week as a direct result of the dedication of our colleagues right across the country,” Lidl GB CEO Ryan McDonnell said.
“As we grow, our focus doesn’t shift – we’re constantly investing in low prices, high quality, and maximum value for our customers.”
Lidl added it invested £59m in pay for workers in the year to maintain its status as “a sector-leading employer”. Alongside pay, the discounter also doubled its paternity leave from two to four weeks of full pay. After five years of service, colleagues will be entitled to eight weeks’ full pay, which Lidl claimed made it one of the most competitive paternity leave offers in the industry.
Lidl GB also increased its spend with local suppliers by £400m year on year, with fresh meat and poultry producers benefiting from the highest spend rise of 15%.
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