Value grocer Lidl has unveiled a strong Christmas sales rise and laid claim to being “the fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar retailer”.

Lidl fascia against blue sky

Lidl GB said that overall sales advanced 21% on a two-year basis and rose 2.6% year on year in the four weeks to December 26.

The value grocer said Kantar data revealed it was the fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar grocer for the second year running and that consumers switched £21m of spend from rivals to it. 

Lidl GB chief executive Christian Härtnagel 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.

“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 our customers that we remain resolute in our promise of being the destination for the lowest grocery prices in the market.”

Lidl’s rival Aldi yesterday reported its “best Christmas ever”.