LONDON, Jan 5 (Reuters) – UK grocery sales were 19.6 billion pounds ($26.4 billion) over the four weeks to December 27, an increase of 2.5% on the previous year, market researcher NielsenIQ said on Monday.
However, it said sales on a volume basis fell 0.2% year-on-year.
NielsenIQ said the level of sales on promotion rose to 27% in December from 25% in November, while online was the fastest growing channel with a sales growth of 9.9%.
“Christmas 2025 was in line with expectations,” said Mike Watkins, the researcher’s head of retailer and business insight. “Consumers were cautious and this led to more considered purchasing, buying only what was needed helped by seasonal price reductions but still finding money to treat themselves.”
Rival market researcher Worldpanel will publish its December report on Tuesday.
Discounters Lidl GB and Aldi UK have already reported Christmas sales growth of 10% and 3%, respectively.
Industry leader Tesco and Marks & Spencer are scheduled to report on Thursday, with Sainsbury’s following on Friday.
($1 = 0.7429 pounds)
(Reporting by James Davey, Editing by Paul Sandle and Catarina Demony)
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