Discount supermarket Lidl has announced plans to open 19 new stores across the UK over the next eight weeks, creating 640 jobs. The rapid rollout, equivalent to one store opening every other day, is part of the German-owned chain's expansion drive.
Lidl, which now holds an 8.1% market share according to Worldpanel, currently operates over 1,000 branches and 14 regional distribution centres in the UK, employing more than 35,000 people. The new stores will range from Calne in Wiltshire to Brough in Yorkshire, with opening day events featuring complimentary food sampling and special prizes.
In addition to new openings, Lidl is investing over £40 million in refurbishing more than 70 existing branches, including installing new tills and larger freezers. 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.'
The expansion follows a record Christmas for Lidl, with turnover exceeding £1.1 billion and sales up 10% year-on-year. Shopper numbers rose 8%, with nearly 51 million customers visiting its stores. According to Worldpanel, Lidl's sales jumped 10.2% to £2.9 billion in the final 12 weeks of 2024, bringing it close to overtaking Morrisons, which holds an 8.3% market share.
Lidl remains behind fellow discounter Aldi, which has a 10.5% market share and was recently named the cheapest supermarket in 2025 by Which? However, Lidl came second, costing just 10p more than Aldi for a basket of 68 items in December.
