Discounter Lidl GB has announced that it will celebrate its 30th anniversary by opening hundreds of new stores across the UK.
This follows a year of investment in its infrastructure to “further strengthen operations”, during which Lidl opened its largest global warehouse in Luton.
Lidl said it had “optimised and enhanced” its existing estate, working to complete an extension to its Welsh distribution centre in Bridgend along with making “significant progress” in its Belvedere warehouse expansion, which it said would result “in its size and capacity being doubled once the project is complete”.
It also said it had “introduced enhancements” to its store estate, including the rollout of electronic shelf labels, which in turn have reportedly supported Lidl’s record growth, with market share now standing at 8%.
Richard Taylor, Lidl GB chief development officer, said: “Having fortified our infrastructure with significant investments like Luton, which is the largest warehouse in the Lidl world, we’re proud to have achieved record market share this month.
“We have also been the fastest growing bricks and mortar supermarket for the past seven months in a row. With an exceptional store network and our laser focus on operational excellence, we’re welcoming more customers through our doors than ever before, which positions us perfectly for continued expansion.”
Lidl eyes up locations across the UK
In the coming months, Lidl will welcome shoppers to new stores across the country, from Bristol in the West Country, Birmingham in the West Midlands and Berwick in Scotland. In London, it will be opening new stores in Wandsworth, Fulham, Hoxton and Canning Town.
Lidl said it had a list of desired locations for potential stores, including cities such as Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool and London as well as towns from Woking and Wadebridge to Dumfries and Didcot.
Taylor continued: “As we celebrate our 30th year, our commitment to ensuring that all households across the country have access to high quality produce at affordable prices is stronger than ever. We’re planning to open hundreds of new Lidl stores but ultimately see no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential.
“This is why we’re continuing to invest in new locations whilst exploring innovative routes to expansion. As we look ahead, we’re excited to welcome even more new shoppers to our existing stores, as well as those we’re planning to open across the country in the coming months and years.”
