A bumper Christmas for discount multiple Lidl has proved the springboard for huge plans to open 50 new stores, creating 2,000 jobs.
The German supermarket announced an 11.6 per cent increase in takings last month as customers traded down to discounters to negate the effects of the credit crunch.
Lidl already has 500 UK stores and more than 9,000 worldwide whilst rival Aldi has plans for 227 new branches with a long-term target of 1,500 British stores.
Upmarket chain Marks & Spencer said food sales fell 1.1 per cent over Christmas whilst fellow premium retailer Waitrose’s takings were also down 0.1 per cent.
Lidl spokesman Marco Ivone, told the Mirror: "If you look at our car parks now you will see Mercedes, BMWs and Audis, which you would never have seen 10 years ago."
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