Discount supermarket chain Lidl is set to open hundreds of new stores across the country, including in Bristol, Birmingham and Berwick.
The company is also looking for new sites in London, where it is already the third-largest supermarket.
Lidl has revealed a list of desired locations for potential new stores, hoping to find sites in prominent locations with easy access and strong pedestrian or traffic flow.
Richard Taylor, chief development officer at Lidl GB, said: “We have been the fastest growing bricks and mortar supermarket for the past seven months in a row.”
He continued: “We’re planning to open hundreds of new Lidl stores but ultimately see no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential.”
The announcement comes just months after the budget supermarket chain revealed it was seeking £91million in funding to aid its expansion.
Lidl is currently on the hunt for investors to construct 12 supermarkets, which will then be leased back to the supermarket chain for operation.
At present, only 20 percent of its approximately 960 UK stores are leasehold. But in a funding pitch viewed by The Sun, Lidl requested that the new stores come with a 25-year lease.
New Lidl stores opening
While the supermarket aims to open new stores across every region in the UK, it has set its sights on 12 potential sites thus far, including:
- Alexandria
- Birmingham
- Bovey Tracey
- Bristol
- Crediton
- Downham Market
- Hull
- Manchester
- Northampton
- Reading
- Redcar
- Saffron Walden
Lidl has specific requirements for new store locations, as explained by a spokesperson who suggested: “Sites should allow for unit sizes between 18,000 and 26,500 sq ft and over 100 dedicated car parking spaces, and Lidl’s flexible approach means it will consider freehold, leasehold or long leasehold opportunities.”
Lidl GB chief development officer Richard Taylor added: “As we celebrate our 30th year, our commitment to ensuring that all households across the country have access to high-quality produce at affordable prices is stronger than ever.”
He continued: “This is why we’re continuing to invest in new locations whilst exploring innovative routes to expansion.”
