The UK’s sixth-largest supermarket chain said it was investing £600 million
Lidl has announced plans to open more than 50 new stores over the next 12 months as part of a £600 million investment drive. The UK’s sixth-largest supermarket chain confirmed the expansion is set to generate nearly 2,000 jobs across the country.
Among the new locations due to open this summer are Abbots Langley near Watford, Warrington in Cheshire, and Thornbury in Gloucestershire. Lidl also revealed it will be hosting more than 150 property partners and agents later this month to outline its future growth ambitions, as it seeks new freehold, leasehold or long leasehold sites across Great Britain.
The discount retailer currently operates more than 1,000 stores throughout Britain, with a workforce exceeding 35,000 employees.
Ryan McDonnell, chief executive of 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.”
He added: “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.”
Employment minister 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.”
This follows Lidl announcing a 10% jump in sales during a “record-breaking” Christmas period, which attracted almost 51 million shoppers through its doors in the run-up to the festive season.
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