// Lidl is rolling back its store opening programme to focus investment on expanding its warehouse capacity
// The discount retailer plans to open 25 new stores in 2023, down from 54 stores last year
Lidl is scaling back its store opening programme as it focuses investment into expanding its warehouse capacity instead.
The discount grocer intends to unveil 25 new stores this year, down from an average of about 50 new locations each year, The Grocer reports.
A Lidl GB spokeswoman told the publication: “In 2023, we are opening 25 stores, which equates to one a fortnight.
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“Whilst this is a slowing on store openings, we are focusing on investing heavily in our warehouse capacity: opening Luton, completing extension works on our Bridgend and Belvedere sites, and looking for a new site for the south.”
Lidl opened 54 new locations last year racing to reach its target of having 1,100 by the end of 2025.
This week, the retailer reported it had gained nearly £11m in switching gains from M&S, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s in the past month.
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