Lidl to accelerate expansion with 10 new openings before Christmas
Lidl GB is accelerating its store opening programme with the launch of 10 new stores before Christmas.
The supermarket is planning to open new London shops in Hoxton, Forest Gate and Caterham, as well as stores in places like Berwick Green in Bristol, Bovey Tracey in Devon and Stirchley in Birmingham,
In addition, Lidl will reopen three existing stores that have either been relocated or refurbished and extended, including in Chessington, Connah’s Quay and Dagenham Heathway.
The openings will create 400 jobs.
Richard Taylor, chief development officer at Lidl GB, said: “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.”
The news comes as the supermarket exchanges on a sale and leaseback deal with a joint venture between Roadside Real Estate and Meadow Partners worth £70 million. This covers 12 new stores, including sites in Crediton, Manchester and Saffron Walden.
Lidl has recently opened new stores in London’s Fulham and the seaside town of Worthing.
Taylor said: “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.
“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.”
