Aldi posts record UK Christmas sales

German-owned discount retailer Aldi announced it sold close to £1 billion of goods during the festive period in the UK buoyed by demand of its premium ranges.

The retailer, which opened its 800th UK store during the fourth quarter of 2018, said the week starting December 17 was the busiest in its history with sales lifting 10 per cent on last year.

“Our Christmas range was the largest and most innovative yet and caught the imagination of our customers, who visited our stores in record numbers,” said Giles Hurley, CEO of Aldi UK.

Hurley said although they saw strong growth across all key categories, the standout performance was in their Specially Selected brand.

“A key factor behind our record performance was the collective commitment, energy and enthusiasm of all our colleagues, and I want to thank them for all their hard work at this exceptionally busy time.”

Aldi sold more than 17 million bottles of wine, Champagne and Prosecco in December. It also sold nearly 50 million mince pies and almost 100 million sprouts.

Looking to the year ahead, Hurley said Aldi begins the new year with great momentum as the UK’s fastest-growing supermarket and on the back of record Christmas sales.

“This has been achieved by bringing amazing-quality groceries at the lowest prices to our customers and this remains our key focus for the year ahead,” he said.

Aldi opened over 65 new stores during 2018, increasing its total store estate to 827 at the end of the year. It remains on course to achieve its long-term target of 1,200 UK stores by the end of 2025.

All Aldi stores in the UK were closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

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