Lidl has unveiled a substantial £600 million investment plan, committing to open more than 50 new stores across the UK within the next 12 months.
This ambitious expansion by the nation’s sixth-largest supermarket chain is projected to generate close to 2,000 new jobs nationwide.
Several of these new outlets are scheduled to welcome customers this summer, including sites in Abbots Langley near Watford, Warrington in Cheshire, and Thornbury in Gloucestershire.
To underpin its future growth trajectory, Lidl will convene over 150 property partners and agents later this month. The event will detail its strategy for securing new freehold, leasehold, or long leasehold properties throughout Great Britain, as it targets further market expansion.
The firm has more than 1,000 stores across Britain, employing more than 35,000 workers.
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.
“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.”
It comes after Lidl reported a 10% surge in sales over a “record-breaking” Christmas, which saw nearly 51 million customers shop with the discounter in the festive run-up.
The German-owned retailer’s UK operations generated more than £1.1bn in turnover during the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve.
Shopper numbers saw an 8 per cent year-on-year increase, reaching an unprecedented high, with Lidl attracting almost four million more customers compared to the previous year.
