Lidl continues search for new sites

Lidl GB has set out its intentions to expand its store estate across the country with a list of priority locations for new stores.

The update comes after Lidl welcomed a record number of new shoppers to its stores in 2022, as over 1.4 million switched to Lidl from other supermarkets.

The discounter has opened over 50 new stores in 2022 and a further 15 new stores across the country in the last three months alone.

Ryan McDonnell, Lidl GB CEO, said: “The last few years have been challenging for everyone, but we’ve made it clear that we’re more committed than ever to ensuring that every single household has access to a Lidl store. That’s why our focus is firmly on the future as we continue to grow and invest in our infrastructure, while keeping a lookout for more sites and locations across the country.

“We had over 1.4 million new shoppers coming to us from our competitors over the course of last year. This alone shows the potential for continued growth as customers refuse to pay a premium for their shopping, when they know they can get the same, if not better quality at Lidl. As we progress further into 2023, we know that more shoppers will make the switch, and whichever of our stores they choose, they know they’re getting the best value.”

The discounter has also doubled down on its plans to strengthen its warehouse infrastructure, further increasing capacity across the country. Over the last five years it has opened over 240,000 square metres of warehouse space and invested over £700m, and current plans include:

· Planning application recently submitted for a new regional distribution centre on a 38-acre site in Gildersome, Leeds

· The opening of its largest ever warehouse in Luton this August – the biggest in any Lidl market globally, creating more than 1,500 jobs and serving over 150 stores

· The completion of work on the expansion of its warehouses in Belvedere, and Bridgend later this year