Lidl GB has today announced it is set to open 19 stores in just eight weeks as part of its ongoing expansion across Great Britain, alongside a significant investment programme focused on upgrading more than 70 existing shops.
The discounter said the planned openings — averaging one new store every other day — will support the creation of up to 640 new roles nationwide. The expansion will take Lidl into new locations, including communities from Calne in Wiltshire to Brough in Yorkshire, broadening its retail presence and accessibility.
Shoppers visiting the new stores on opening days can expect complimentary food sampling and the chance to win special Lidl prizes. The rapid rollout of stores forms part of what the company describes as its busiest period of growth to date, reflecting strong demand and customer interest in its value proposition.
In addition to new stores, Lidl is investing over £40 million in modernising more than 70 of its existing locations from Dundee to the Isle of Wight. These refurbishments aim to bring enhanced facilities and services to communities nationwide, with features such as new tills and larger freezers to expand product choice.
The upgrades also include the introduction of energy‑saving measures designed to reduce environmental impact. These features comprise chillers that use natural refrigerants and smart lighting systems intended to lower electricity use. Lidl said the improvements form part of its ongoing efforts to support its journey towards Net Zero.
The retailer noted that its expansion and investment build on what it calls ‘the Lidl Effect’, a term used to describe the wide‑ranging benefits its growth brings beyond its stores, including economic contributions and community support initiatives.
Richard Taylor, Chief Real Estate Officer at Lidl GB, said: “We’re starting the new year as we mean to go on, with a major investment that reinforces our commitment to delivering the best experience for customers and creating a positive impact for the communities we serve. With this push, we’re set on winning more shoppers across the nation and claiming an even bigger share of the market.”
According to Lidl, the latest programme of openings and upgrades takes place against a backdrop of sustained performance in the UK retail sector. The discounter has reported reaching more than 60 per cent of British households and contributing £14.5 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the British economy in the financial year 2024.
Lidl said its ongoing expansion underscores its strategy of strengthening its bricks‑and‑mortar footprint even as many retailers adjust their physical store networks. The company has presented itself as the fastest‑growing bricks‑and‑mortar retailer in the UK, stressing the speed and scale of its recent store openings.
Alongside commercial developments, Lidl’s community support work remains a core focus for the business. The retailer’s surplus food donation scheme, Feed It Back delivered in partnership with the charity Neighbourly – provided 18.5 million meals last year, supporting 6.8 million people across Great Britain. Lidl has said that new stores will benefit from these community investment programmes from the moment they open.
The planned store openings and refurbishments are expected to generate a mix of permanent and part‑time roles, spanning positions in store teams as well as operational support functions. Lidl has indicated that recruitment for these roles will begin in the weeks leading up to each store’s opening, with details to be shared locally as launch dates are confirmed.
Lidl Store openings
- Basildon, Laindon
- Birmingham, Kingstanding
- Brough, Welton Road
- Burntwood
- Calne
- Chester, Caldy Valley Rd
- Dereham
- Havant, Purbrook Way
- Hereford, Belmont Road
- Horley
- Hucknall, Watnall Rd
- London, Stamford Hill
- London, Walworth Road
- Reading, Tilehurst
- Royal Wootton Bassett
- Salisbury, Churchill Way West
- Sandford
- Sutton High Street
- Tring
