Discount retailer Lidl GB plans to open hundreds of new stores in the UK as it marks 30 years since opening its first.
The expansion is set to create thousands of new jobs across the country.
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The move follows a year in which the company has heavily invested in its infrastructure, including the inauguration of its largest global warehouse in Luton.
In the second half of 2024, the retailer will open new stores in locations including Bristol, Birmingham and Berwick.
Lidl will also expand its footprint in London with new stores in Wandsworth, Fulham, Hoxton and Canning Town.
In addition to its new stores, it is focussed on optimising its existing estate and has completed an extension to its Bridgend distribution centre in Wales.
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By GlobalDataThe retailer is also expanding its Belvedere warehouse, with plans to double its size and capacity.
As part of its store enhancements programme, Lidl GB has rolled out electronic shelf labels. The move supports its growth as its market share has reached 8%.
Lidl GB chief development officer Richard Taylor said: “Having fortified our infrastructure with significant investments like Luton, which is the largest warehouse in the Lidl world, we’re proud to have achieved record market share.
“We have also been the fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar supermarket for the past seven months in a row. With an exceptional store network and our laser focus on operational excellence, we’re welcoming more customers through our doors than ever before, which positions us perfectly for continued expansion.”
The announcement coincides with the publication of Lidl’s latest list of desired locations for potential new stores, targeting cities such as Liverpool, Edinburgh, Leeds and London, and towns from Woking to Dumfries.
The retailer is seeking sites with easy access and strong pedestrian or traffic flow, suitable for standalone stores or mixed-use schemes.
For identified sites, Lidl is offering a finders’ fee of 1.5% of the total freehold purchase price or 10% of the first year’s rent for leaseholds, which could mean £22,500 for a completed £1.5m site purchase.
In January 2024, the retailer announced a £37m investment to increase wages for its hourly-paid employees, setting a new benchmark for the retail sector.
