Budget supermarket Lidl is offering members of the public a financial reward for identifying suitable locations for new stores. The German-owned retailer has published a list of more than 1,000 towns and cities across the United Kingdom where it could potentially open branches, ranging from Inverness and Ellon in Scotland to St Ives in Cornwall and Ryde on the Isle of Wight, as well as locations in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Finder's Fee Details
Despite having its own property teams and agents nationwide, Lidl is seeking assistance from shoppers. The company is offering a finder's fee to anyone who successfully identifies a previously unknown site that leads to a developed store. The reward amounts to 1.5% of the freehold purchase price or 10% of the first year's rent for a leasehold property. Based on 2022 figures, this could have been worth £22,500 for a £1.5 million freehold site bought outright.
Public Participation
When asked whether any members of the public have actually received such a sum, given the existence of professional property agents, a Lidl spokeswoman stated: "We wouldn't be able to provide specifics on individuals or partners involved in site introductions as those arrangements are commercially sensitive." While Lidl has identified over 1,000 potential sites for new stores or relocations, it is unlikely that most will open soon.
Expansion Plans
Lidl, part of the Schwarz retail group, already operates more than 1,000 UK stores, having reached that milestone with a store in East Grinstead last November. The company plans to add over 50 new stores in the next 12 months as part of a £600 million expansion. The brochure for new sites includes 65 in Scotland; 49 in North East England; 71 in Yorkshire and Humber; 62 in Greater Manchester and surrounding areas; 52 in North Wales, Merseyside, and west Cheshire; 72 in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, and east Cheshire; 47 in south and mid Wales; 80 in central England; 69 in eastern England; 43 in Bristol, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and parts of Somerset; 69 in the Home Counties north of London; 139 in north London; 102 in south London; 42 in south and west Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall; 56 towards the south coast of England; and 61 in Kent, East Sussex, and East Surrey.
Statement from Lidl
Richard Taylor, chief real estate officer at Lidl GB, said: "We currently have one of the most ambitious store opening programmes of any supermarket and we are more committed than ever to bringing our high quality and low priced products to even more communities across the country. All of our stores deliver more than just affordable products. Each one also brings quality jobs, opportunities for British suppliers to showcase the best of our home grown produce and support to local good causes in the communities each one serves. In uncertain times, shoppers and communities can count on us."
