Lidl is expanding its UK footprint with an ambitious plan to open 10 new stores before Christmas.
- The company has completed a £70 million sale and leaseback deal, involving 12 new sites.
- This expansion includes locations like Crediton, Manchester, and Saffron Walden.
- Three new stores are set to open in London alone, in areas such as Hoxton and Forest Gate.
- Lidl is also reopening and extending several existing stores to meet growing demand.
Lidl is aggressively increasing its presence in the UK market, underscored by its recent completion of a significant sale and leaseback agreement. The transaction, valued at £70 million, involves a collaborative effort between Roadside Real Estate and Meadow Partners. It encompasses 12 new store locations in strategic areas including Crediton, Manchester, and Saffron Walden. This move is part of Lidl’s larger strategy to enhance accessibility for consumers across the nation.
In line with this expansion, Lidl plans to open 10 new stores ahead of the Christmas period. The new locations are slated to include Berwick Green in Bristol, Bovey Tracey in Devon, and Stirchley in Birmingham. Speaking on these developments, Richard Taylor, Lidl UK’s Chief Development Officer, noted the company’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable, quality food to a wider audience while also creating employment opportunities.
Within London, Lidl aims to introduce three new outlets, situated in Hoxton, Forest Gate, and Caterham, demonstrating a focused approach to capturing urban markets. Concurrently, Lidl is enhancing its existing stores in Chessington, Connah’s Quay, and Dagenham Heathway, which are undergoing relocations, refurbishments, and extensions. This is indicative of Lidl’s response to increasing consumer demand in these areas.
Previously, Lidl expanded with new openings in Worthing during late summer and Fulham in September. Richard Taylor emphasised Lidl’s strategic ambitions, stating: “Our teams are constantly scouring the country for new sites, identifying opportunities not just in towns where we don’t currently have stores, but also in areas where existing stores are experiencing increasing demand.” This ongoing growth strategy highlights Lidl’s dedication to establishing a more extensive retail network across the UK.
Lidl’s commitment to expanding its UK presence is evident through its strategic opening of new stores and enhancement of existing locations.