Lidl Cements Growth with Aggressive Expansion and Strong 2025 Results
LONDON, 25 January 2026 – Lidl GB has solidified its position as the UK’s fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar supermarket, leveraging a multi-million pound expansion drive and robust financial performance throughout 2024 and 2025. The German discounter’s strategy, combining rapid new store openings with significant investment in British sourcing and infrastructure, has seen it gain substantial market share and hundreds of thousands of new shoppers, even as it navigated several high-profile product recalls.
The Expansion Drive: Hundreds of New Stores
Lidl’s growth has been physically marked by an accelerated store opening programme. In the final quarter of 2024, the retailer opened a flurry of new locations, including six stores in a single day in early December in Shinfield, Bovey Tracey, Downham Market, and Stirchley, alongside refurbished sites in Connah’s Quay and Chessington. This followed the opening of four stores in November in Bristol, Hemel Hempstead, Ipswich, and Hoxton, and preceded further openings in Forest Gate and Caterham.
This activity formed part of a broader plan to open 10 new stores before Christmas 2024, creating around 400 jobs. The expansion has been supported by innovative financing, including a £70 million sale and leaseback deal in October 2024 with a joint venture for 12 new stores. Looking ahead, Lidl announced plans in 2025 to open over 40 new stores in its current financial year, backed by a £500 million investment, with a long-term ambition to reach 1,500 stores across the UK.
Financial Performance: Surging Sales and Profitability
This physical growth is underpinned by strong financial results. For the financial year ending 28 February 2025, Lidl GB reported revenue growth of 7.9% to £11.7 billion. Profit before tax saw a significant increase to £156.8 million, up from £43.6 million the previous year. Operating profit also rose to £314.1 million.
The company’s recovery was already evident in the prior year (ending February 2024), when it swung from a £76 million loss to a £43.6 million pre-tax profit on sales of nearly £11 billion. Lidl attributed this performance to securing 326,000 additional shoppers – more than any other supermarket – and 35 million more shopping trips in that period.
Market Position: Gaining Ground on Rivals
| Metric | Detail (2024-2025) |
|---|---|
| Market Share | Approximately 8.1%-8.5%, closing in on Morrisons and behind Aldi (~10.8%). |
| Growth Title | Named UK’s fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar supermarket for over 19 consecutive months. |
| Customer Growth | Gained hundreds of thousands of new shoppers, with significant switching from rivals. |
| British Sourcing | Two-thirds of products from British suppliers; £30bn commitment over five years announced in 2025. |
Industry analysis consistently shows Lidl outperforming the market and gaining share at the expense of traditional rivals like Asda and Morrisons. Its growth is driven by a compelling value proposition, a successful Lidl Plus loyalty app, and a reputation for quality in key areas like its in-store bakery.
Navigating Product Safety and Recalls
Amidst its growth, Lidl has managed several product recalls, primarily concerning labelling errors and potential contamination. Key actions in 2025 included:
- Recalling Simply Roasted and Salted Cashews (125g) due to the possible presence of glass.
- Withdrawing multiple Alesto brand fruit and nut bar multipacks over potential plastic contamination.
- Recalling Red Hen Tempura Chicken Steaks and Deluxe Red Cabbage for undeclared milk allergens.
- Withdrawing Calbee brand Hot & Spicy and Pizza Crisps due to undeclared mustard and celery.
The company has advised customers to return affected products for a full refund and stated that customer safety is its priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stores does Lidl have in the UK?
As of late 2025, Lidl GB operated over 980 stores and 14 distribution centres across England, Scotland, and Wales. It has an active expansion plan aiming for 1,500 stores in the long term.
Is Lidl bigger than Aldi in the UK?
No, Aldi currently holds a larger market share (approximately 10.8% in early 2025) compared to Lidl’s roughly 8.5%. However, Lidl has been the faster-growing of the two discounters for multiple consecutive periods.
What was Lidl’s profit in 2025?
For the financial year ending 28 February 2025, Lidl GB reported a profit before tax of £156.8 million, a substantial increase from £43.6 million the previous year.
Has Lidl had any recent product recalls?
Yes, in 2025 Lidl issued several recalls, including for cashews (potential glass), fruit and nut bars (potential plastic), and various products due to undeclared allergens like milk, mustard, and celery. Customers are advised to check the Food Standards Agency website for the latest information.