Following yesterday’s release of Lidl’s figures for the 52 weeks ending 28 February 2025; Charlotte Chilcott, Retail Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view: “Lidl was the clear winner in 2024, with the discounter reporting impressive results for the 52 weeks ending 28 February 2025. Revenues rose 7.9% to £11.7bn, outpacing the UK food & grocery market’s growth of 2.4% in 2024, as its low prices appealed to price-sensitive shoppers. Profit before tax also performed well, having more than tripled year-on-year, from £43.6m to £156.8m in FY2024/25. These figures suggest Lidl not only benefited from consumers temporarily switching to lower-priced options amid persistent high inflation, but it has also successfully retained these customers by offering quality products at affordable prices. If Lidl continues to exercise operational discipline while expanding its stores and warehouses, it is well-positioned to achieve further market share gains in the UK food & grocery sector.
“More consumers flocked to its stores in 2024, with the discounter reporting an additional 38 million customer visits during the period. This uplift in footfall is directly tied to sustained strategic investment in capacity and customer experience. In the FY2024/25, Lidl committed around £500m to upgrade and expand its infrastructure. This investment included new stores alongside targeted enhancements and refurbishments of existing locations and warehouses, bolstering its appeal and reaching a wider audience. The discounter has maintained this momentum into FY2025/26, with the planned rollout of 13 stores before Christmas 2025 and 40 new stores across the current financial year. Indeed, in November 2025, Lidl will open its 1,000th store in the UK. Major logistics projects, including the extension of its Belvedere distribution centre, will support the expansion of its store estate, while reducing supply friction and improving product availability.
“Lidl’s £5.65bn spend with British suppliers, culminating in two thirds of its products being locally sourced, has strengthened its supply chain resilience and transparency credentials. These are factors that will have helped it to retain shoppers who might otherwise trade up to mid-market or premium grocers. However, with UK grocers increasingly prioritising localised supply chains, this advantage faces growing pressure. Lidl must continue to deepen supplier relationships through initiatives such as its Grassroots farming conference to maintain its competitive advantage.”
