Lidl has announced plans to open 50 new stores across the UK in the next year, creating nearly 2,000 jobs. The German-owned discounter aims to overtake Morrisons as Britain's fifth-largest supermarket chain. The expansion includes a £600m investment in its warehouse and logistics network.
In a unique move, Lidl will also open its first pub in east Belfast, due to strict local licensing laws. The pub, located next to its Dundonald store, will seat around 60 people and serve Lidl's range of beers, wines, and spirits, alongside other beverages to promote local suppliers. The development follows a six-year planning process.
New store locations include Abbots Langley near Watford, Warrington in Cheshire, and Thornbury in Gloucestershire, all opening this summer. Lidl GB, which now operates over 1,000 stores in Britain, expects no store closures in the coming year. This compares with 40 openings in the year to February 2026.
Lidl's rapid growth has been fueled by the cost of living crisis, as households seek cheaper options. Recent market data shows Lidl matched Morrisons with an 8.3% market share, achieving the fastest growth among physical grocers. In the year to February 2025, Lidl GB's sales rose 8.3% to £11.7bn, with profits more than doubling to £156.8m.
Chief executive Ryan McDonnell said the expansion will create high-quality jobs and support British suppliers. Kate Dearden, minister for employment rights and consumer protection, welcomed the investment, stating it will boost living standards across communities.
