Lidl has announced plans to open 10 new stores across the UK before Christmas.
This expansion from the German supermarket chain is set to create approximately 400 jobs and reach thousands more households.
The new openings will include shops in Bristol, Devon, and Birmingham, as well as three locations in London.
Additionally, Lidl will be reopening relocated or refurbished stores in Chessington and Dagenham in London, and Connahs Quay in Wales.
This move comes as part of Lidl’s broader strategy to increase its presence in the UK market.
The retailer currently operates around 960 stores but has previously stated its aim to surpass 1,100 locations across England, Wales and Scotland.
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The German supermarket chain is expanding
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Lidl’s expansion solidifies its position as the sixth-largest UK supermarket, holding a 7.6 per cent share of the grocery market, according to recent Kantar figures.
This places the discount retailer just behind Morrisons, which holds an 8.6 per cent share.
German rival Aldi has grown its market share to just under 10 per cent, slightly ahead of Lidl.
Furthermore, Lidl has also announced a £70million leaseback deal with investment group Roadside Real Estate.
The agreement involves the sale of 12 new stores currently under construction, set to open by February next year in locations including Manchester and Saffron Walden.
This deal provides Lidl with an immediate cash boost whilst allowing the retailer to continue operating the stores on 25-year leases.
Lidl’s chief development officer, Richard Taylor, emphasised the company’s commitment to expansion.
She explained: “Our plan to open 10 new stores before Christmas demonstrates our continued commitment to providing more communities across the country with access to affordable, quality food, as well as employment opportunities.
“But we still have big ambitions for our expansion plans to open hundreds more Lidl stores in the future.
“Our teams are constantly scouring the country for new sites, identifying opportunities not just in towns where we don’t currently have stores, but also in areas where existing stores are experiencing increasing demand.”
Earlier this month, Lidl confirmed it was hiring for 1,000 new roles over the next five months to keep up with consumer demand.
Nan Gibson, Lidl’s chief HR officer, said: “As our customer base continues to grow, and as we open more new stores and warehouses, we need more people to join team Lidl.”
