Discounted supermarket Lidl has continued its rapid expansion as it has now become the sixth largest supermarket in the country for the very first time.
The discounted supermarket has seen a rapid surge in sales recently which, according to new sales data, has seen the retailer overtake Co-op for the first ever time.
Latest figures from Kantar Worldpanel market share data has revealed that the supermarket has seen a 6.1 percent growth, as rising inflation pushes shoppers towards discounted stores.
In comparison, Co-op only increased by 5.7 percent.
The recent rise in sales and addition of 1 million new customers has seen the supermarket on par with rival Aldi for joint-fastest growing grocer.
It comes after rising prices caused by the cost of living crisis has seen shoppers switch to budget retailers as they try to keep costs down.
Lidl GB CEO Ryan McDonnell commented: “We are extremely proud that more customers are choosing to shop at Lidl. But it’s also not a surprise, because it has always been our firm belief that no one should have to pay a premium for good food.
"This belief is at the core of everything we do, whether that’s keeping prices low or making our offer as accessible as possible through the opening of new stores.
"And it’s clear that shoppers still want and value that in-store experience, despite the impact the pandemic has had on shopping habits.
"So that’s exactly what we will continue to give them. In February alone we opened 13 new stores, and our expansion plans continue at pace. As households navigate the increasing cost of living, it is our absolute promise that we will continue to offer them the best value in the market.”
The German supermarket has been rapidly growing throughout the UK since it opened its first store back in 1994 and has seen significant success due to their lower prices.
Just recently, they claimed to be the second fastest growing bricks and mortal retailer after reporting increased footfalls and an increase in sales during the festive period.
Their popularity with shoppers also continues to grow, as the annual Which? survey that found the budget store to be the fifth most popular in-store supermarket in the UK, while Co-op was ranked last by shoppers.
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