The German-founded supermarket chain is gearing up for a significant expansion in the UK, with plans to open hundreds of new stores nationwide.
Lidl will majorly push the British grocery market with 10 new stores expected to open before Christmas.
New stores are planned for Birmingham, Bristol, Devon, and several parts of London, such as Wandsworth and Fulham.
This expansion reflects the chain’s aggressive growth strategy as it aims to solidify its footprint in Britain.
Lidl’s development officer, Richard Taylor, highlighted the chain’s ambition, stating that there’s “no ceiling” on Lidl’s potential for growth as it invests in both new locations and innovative routes for expansion.
According to the Grocery Gazette, the supermarket chain’s £70million sale and leaseback deal is pivotal to its new openings.
Described as a joint venture between Roadside Real Estate and Meadow Partners, the deal includes 12 new stores in locations such as Crediton, Manchester, and Saffron Walden.
Lidl GB chief development officer Richard elaborated: “Our sale and leaseback deal is just the latest example of how we’re continuing to expand our footprint across the country, ensuring that even more households can benefit from a Lidl store nearby.”
The discounter’s 10 new openings before Christmas include Berwick Green in Bristol, Bovey Tracey in Devon and Stirchley in Birmingham.
A staggering 400 new jobs are expected to be created by the new openings, and that’s before counting the additional three sites that will debut in London.
Lidl GB sites will open in Hoxton, Forest Gate, and Caterham before Christmas for those living in the British capital.
Three existing stores in Chessington, Connah’s Quay, and Dagenham Heathway will make a comeback after having been either relocated or refurbished and extended.
The “Big Four” supermarkets in the UK are Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury, and Morrisons, but Lidl joins fellow budget retailer Aldi in climbing the ranks.
According to the latest Statista data, in April 2024, Lidl reached an eight percent market share, while Tesco and Sainsbury’s had the largest share, holding 42.7 percent of the market together.
Lidl has a competitive edge over other retailers, which stems from its focus on British-sourced products, enhanced loyalty programs, and streamlined in-store experience.
Its newest store openings include Worthing (which opened at the end of the summer) and Fulham, which welcomed a new store in September.
