LIDL GB TO REFUND BUSINESS RATES RELIEF

04.12.2020 12:00:00 | London, UK

Lidl GB

4th December 2020: Lidl GB today confirms that it will refund over £100m business rates relief received due to the COVID-19 pandemic to the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations.

In March, Lidl, along with the rest of the supermarket sector, found itself on the front line of a truly unique set of circumstances and was incredibly grateful for support from government.  The business rates relief was vital in allowing the discounter to make significant quick unplanned investments in its operations, infrastructure and people to manage customer demand. In the past nine months, Lidl has recruited 2,500 temporary colleagues and has been dramatically increasing stock levels, investing in infrastructure to ensure security of supply, and introducing safety equipment, including 4 million masks and 5,000 protective checkout screens.

However, looking ahead, as footfall in stores continues to grow, Lidl GB is well placed to manage any further changes to the business as a result of the pandemic, and therefore has brought forward plans to return the relief. The discounter will work with the UK Government and Devolved Administrations on the best way to facilitate this.

Christian Härtnagel, CEO Lidl GB said: “The business rates relief that was provided to us, and the rest of the supermarket sector, came with a lot of responsibility that we took extremely seriously.

“We’ve been considering this for some time, and we are now in a position to confirm that we will be refunding this money as we believe it is the right thing to do. We feel confident that the business is well positioned to navigate and adapt to any further challenges brought by COVID-19.”

Lidl is continuing to invest heavily to ensure its people, customers and suppliers stay safe. Its long-term strategy, however, remains unchanged with the business continuing to grow with new customers shopping in stores each week, and its commitment to never being beaten on price stronger than ever. 

In July, the discounter announced its intention to open 25 new stores by Christmas this year and is on track to meet that target. Its £1.3bn investment plans for 2021 and 2022 will drive the opening of 100 additional stores across Great Britain, creating around 4,000 jobs. The retailer also recently announced its commitment to increase the wages of all colleagues on hourly rates, in line with those advocated by the Living Wage Foundation, directly benefiting over 80% of its workforce.

Lidl continues to use its 800+ stores to give back to local communities. Since 2017, Lidl GB stores have donated over 6 million meals to 2,200 charities across Great Britain through its ‘Feed it Back’ programme. Last month, it launched its 'Teaming up to Tackle Hunger' scheme, with vouchers that customers can pay for along with their shopping to donate one of 5 essential food items to their local communities.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

About Lidl GB

Since establishing itself in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl has experienced continuous growth and today has over 25,000 employees, over 800 stores and 13 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales. As part of the Schwarz retail group, Lidl is one of Europe’s leading organisations in the food retail industry. With a presence in 32 countries around the world, the supermarket, which has more than 310,000 employees globally, currently operates approximately 11,200 stores and more than 200 warehouses and distribution centres in 29 countries globally. The family supermarket takes pride in providing its customers with the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices throughout Great Britain, from Kirkwall to the Isle of Wight. Social responsibility and sustainability are at the core of the company's daily operations, with the company placing a strong emphasis on its responsibility for people, society and the environment. Lidl GB is passionate about working with British producers and sources two thirds of its products from British suppliers.

The Schwarz Group (Kaufland, Lidl) has been Europe's largest food retailer since 2014 and generated a turnover of €104.3 billion in financial year 2018.

For more information about Lidl GB visit https://corporate.lidl.co.uk/

Press contact

Corporate press office
pressoffice@lidl.co.uk
020 4530 0005

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