Discount supermarket giant Lidl has announced an aggressive expansion plan that will see it open 19 new stores across the UK in the next eight weeks. This rapid rollout, equivalent to launching a new shop almost every other day, forms a key part of the retailer's strategy to grow its market share and close in on rival Morrisons.
Major Investment and Job Creation
The ambitious opening schedule, set for the start of 2026, is expected to create approximately 640 new jobs in communities nationwide. Alongside the new openings, Lidl has committed to investing over £40 million in refurbishing more than 70 of its existing branches. These upgrades will include the installation of new tills and larger freezer units to improve the customer experience.
Richard Taylor, Lidl GB's chief real estate officer, stated: "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."
Closing the Gap on Competitors
The expansion comes on the back of a strong trading period for the German-owned discounter. Lidl recently reported a record Christmas, with turnover exceeding £1.1 billion and sales up 10% year-on-year. Shopper numbers also rose by 8%, with nearly 51 million customers visiting its stores.
According to the latest industry data from Worldpanel, Lidl's sales jumped by 10.2% to £2.9 billion in the final 12 weeks of last year. This growth has increased its market share to 8.1%, putting it hot on the heels of Morrisons, which now holds 8.3%. While fellow discounter Aldi remains ahead with a 10.5% share, its sales growth has recently slowed to 4.1%.
New Store Locations and Opening Offers
The new stores will open in a diverse range of locations, from Calne in Wiltshire to Brough in Yorkshire. To celebrate each launch, Lidl has promised shoppers complimentary food sampling and special prizes on opening days.
The full list of locations set for a new Lidl store includes:
- 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
Founded in the UK in 1994, Lidl has grown to become the nation's sixth-largest grocery chain, operating over 1,000 branches and 14 regional distribution centres. The company employs more than 35,000 people across the country. This latest expansion underscores its continued confidence in the UK market and its determination to compete at the highest level of the grocery sector.
