LIDL CONTINUES SEARCH TO SECURE SITES FOR NEW STORES

• Lidl GB has published its latest list of priority locations for new Lidl stores across the country 
• As the discounter continues to experience record growth, with it recently being named the UK's fastest growing supermarket[i], Lidl opened 15 new stores in the last three months
• Update comes after Lidl welcomed record 1.4 million[ii] new shoppers from competitors in 2022
• Chief Development Officer confirms "no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential"

Monday 24th April 2023: Lidl GB has set out its intentions to bring its great value offering to more communities across the country as it publishes its 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 in a bid to get the best value produce.

As Lidl continues to experience record growth, with Kantar recently naming it the fastest growing supermarket following a rise in sales of nearly 26%, the discounter 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, commented: “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.”

Lidl GB Chief Development Officer, Richard Taylor, added: “Our store expansion has been and continues to be unparalleled. In the last three months alone, we’ve opened 15 new stores – more than any other retailer, and in 2022 we welcomed customers through the doors of over 50 new stores. But we won’t be stopping there. Our vision is to have over 1,100 stores in the future, but really there’s no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential. What’s important is that we take a strategic and sustainable approach to getting there.”

As Lidl seeks to secure sites for future stores, 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

ENDS

[i] Kantar data 12 weeks to 19th March 2023

[ii] Kantar data 52 weeks to 25th December 2022

Notes to Editors

*The sites listed within Lidl’s site requirements brochure indicate areas of interest to Lidl which are desirable for new stores, not new store plans or openings. It represents a long list of potential sites, from which a number of stores will eventually be developed and opened.

A finder’s fee of either 1.5% of the total freehold or 10% of the first year’s rent for leaseholds will be given to anyone, including members of the public, who successfully identify sites for the potential development of new Lidl stores. Locations with easy access for pedestrians and space for parking are optimal.

Site Requirements: 

• Prominent locations with easy access and strong pedestrian or traffic flow.
• Freehold, leasehold or long leasehold opportunities.
• Unit sizes between 18,000 and 26,500 sq. ft and 100+ dedicated car parking spaces.
• 1.5+ acres for standalone stores or up to 4 acres for mixed-use schemes.
• Town centre or edge of centre and retail parks.

London Site Requirements: 

• Approx. 0.8+ acres for standalone stores or up to 4 acres for mixed-use schemes.
• With or without car parking and in close proximity to key public transport links.
• As well as standalone stores we’re looking for opportunities in:

About Lidl GB

Since establishing itself in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl GB has experienced continuous growth and today has over 29,500 employees, over 950 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. The supermarket, which has more than 360,000 employees globally, currently operates approximately 12,000 stores and more than 200 warehouses and distribution centres in 31 countries.

The 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, which operates worldwide as a retail group, generated a turnover of €133.6 billion in the financial year 2021.

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