A chirpy, cheapy Christmas for canny shoppers
BUDGET-conscious Britons are flocking to cut-price supermarkets to save on their Christmas shopping food bills this year.
Many are turning to stores such as Lidl and Iceland for their festive groceries. As a result, the discount food shops look set to celebrate their best Christmas ever, says a report by market research analysts Nielsen.
Mike Watkins, senior manager for retailer services at Nielsen, said: “Shoppers are generally not only delaying spend until December, they are also buying less.
“However, discount retailers are set for their best-ever Christmas. At Aldi, Lidl and Iceland, shoppers are visiting more often and spending more.”
Aldi has seen a 20 per cent sales increase compared with the same period last year.
A Lidl spokesman said: “We have had a tremendous increase in numbers of people.”
Lidl offers include a £9.99 self-basting turkey, a lobster for £5.99 (£10 for two) and Comte de Brismand champagne at £12.99.
We have had a tremendous increase in numbers of people.
Speaking about predicted trading, Mr Watkins said: “The four-week period to December 24 is projected to be worth around £11.8billion, up slightly on last year when sales were £11.3billion.
“Even if there is a strong December, we expect the grocery multiples may only achieve 3.2 per cent growth for the full 12-week period, a third less growth than last year.”