Discount grocery chain Lidl is embarking on an aggressive expansion plan with the opening of 19 new stores within the next two months. This rapid growth will result in the creation of 640 new job opportunities.
Lidl, a German-owned supermarket, has solidified its position as the sixth largest grocery retailer in the UK, boasting an 8.1% market share based on recent data from Worldpanel. Since its inception in 1994, Lidl has expanded to over 1,000 stores and operates 14 distribution centers nationwide, employing over 35,000 individuals.
The newly opened stores span locations from Calne, Wiltshire, to Brough, Yorkshire. Each opening day will feature complimentary food sampling and exciting prizes for shoppers.
In addition to the new store openings, Lidl has announced a £40 million investment to revamp over 70 existing branches, incorporating new checkout systems and larger freezer sections.
Richard Taylor, Lidl GB’s chief real estate officer, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s growth strategy, aiming to enhance customer experience and community impact. The recent surge in sales during the holiday season, with turnover exceeding £1.1 billion and a 10% sales increase, has reinforced Lidl’s competitive edge in the market.
Worldpanel data reveals Lidl’s sales surged by 10.2% to £2.9 billion in the final quarter of the previous year, positioning the retailer closely behind Morrisons, whose market share has dipped to 8.3%. While Lidl trails behind rival Aldi, which holds a 10.5% market share, Aldi’s sales growth has decelerated to 4.1% in the latest 12-month period.
Consumer watchdog Which? recently named Aldi as the cheapest supermarket in 2025, with Lidl ranking closely behind. Lidl Plus members and non-members alike paid an average of £123.70 in December, just 10p more than Aldi’s average monthly cost of £123.60 for 68 essential items.
Overall, Lidl’s ongoing expansion and competitive pricing strategies position the retailer as a formidable player in the UK grocery market.