Lidl records highest growth in customer visits of any supermarket as profits increase

In the year to February 28, Lidl’s revenue increased by 16.9% from £9.3bn to £11bn, and EBIT rose to £220.8m. It is also celebrating 30 years since opening its first store in the UK.

The grocer said 60% of households shop at Lidl, with over 35 million more shopping trips made to its stores compared to the previous year. Shoppers also put over 267 million more items in their baskets than the year before.

Lidl Plus, the supermarket’s rewards app, has also boosted footfall as new users increased 24% this year.

It is also accelerating its expansion plans with 18 new stores set to open in the next few months, including nine in the next four weeks. Around 40 more are set to open over the next financial year, with hundreds more expected in the long-term.

Lidl GB chief executive Ryan McDonnell said: “We’ve come a long way since we opened our first store here 30 years ago, from stocking jars of frankfurters to now having over two thirds of our products sourced from British suppliers.

“While our product range has continued to evolve, we’ve stayed true to our customer promise of offering the best value on the market. In doing so, we have become trusted by households across the country to be their one-stop shop, while always supporting British food production.

“Now, 60% of households are choosing to shop at Lidl, and they’re coming back more frequently, which is a fantastic sign of increasing loyalty. We have great momentum and, although our ambitions have no ceiling, we won’t rest on our laurels. We’ve been laying the foundations for further growth while creating an even better store experience for shoppers.

“As we look to the future, our customers, colleagues, and suppliers can count on us to always offer the best value, the best pay, and long-term commitments so that we can continue to grow together.”