LIDL GB ANNOUNCES AMBITIOUS EXPANSION PLANS WITH OVER 50 NEW STORES SET TO OPEN IN NEXT 12 MONTHS

• Lidl GB has announced ambitious expansion plans as it looks to open more than 50 new stores in the next 12 months
• Discounter is committing over £600million in strengthening its store network and unlocking regional growth across Great Britain
• Plans are set to create close to 2,000 jobs, paying one of the highest wages in the industry
• Minister for Employment Rights & Consumer Protection, Kate Dearden shares view on why Lidl's expansion plans are a real vote of confidence in the government's plan to grow the economy

 Lidl GB has announced that it will be opening more than 50 new stores in the next 12 months as part of a £600million investment in its British infrastructure.

Marking the most ambitious standard store opening programme in the UK supermarket sector this year, the expansion translates directly into local opportunities and is expected to generate almost 2,000 new jobs across the country.

Upcoming store openings include key sites such as Abbots Langley near Watford, Warrington in Cheshire, and Thornbury in Gloucestershire which are all set to open this summer.

Today’s announcement also delivers good news for British suppliers, as more stores and more shelves create more opportunities. The discounter, which already stocks two-thirds of its products from British suppliers, holds long-term relationships with agriculture and food businesses across the country.

To support its growing estate, Lidl is also cementing its logistics infrastructure. The construction of its new warehouse in Leeds is progressing well with operations due to begin next year. Meanwhile in London, Lidl is further investing into its Belvedere distribution site, submitting plans to slightly extend and join both warehouses.

Ryan McDonnell, CEO at Lidl GB, said: "As we grow, we want to positively impact our British communities. We’re not just opening doors, we’re unlocking regional growth. Our expansion translates directly into high-quality jobs and gives British suppliers the certainty they need to invest in the future. Above all, it advances our social purpose of making affordable, healthy food accessible to everyone.”

Minister for Employment Rights & Consumer Protection, Kate Dearden said:  “This kind of investment is exactly what we want to see from big employers - creating thousands of good jobs that pay fair wages and boost the standard of living in communities across the country.

 Lidl's expansion plans are a real vote of confidence in our plan to grow the economy, demonstrating that responsible business growth can bring significant benefits for both businesses and workers.”

In order to open more Lidl stores and logistics sites, Lidl GB is always looking for freehold, leasehold or long leasehold properties across Great Britain. Later this month, the supermarket will be hosting more than 150 property partners and agents at a showcase event in London to share its plans for future growth and further strengthen collaboration across the industry.

ENDS

About Lidl GB

Since establishing itself in Great Britain in 1994, Lidl GB has experienced continuous growth and today has over 35,000 employees, over 1,000 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 382,400 employees globally, currently operates around 12,600 stores and more than 230 logistics centres and warehouses 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.

Lidl GB is a key contributor to the British economy, generating £14.5bn in Gross Value Added in FY24, supporting over 281,000 jobs, and contributing more than £1bn in tax to public services. Driven by a core commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, the retailer sources two-thirds of its products from British suppliers.

The Schwarz Group, which operates worldwide as a retail group, generated a revenue of €167.3 billion in the financial year 2024.

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