Lidl is planning to open “hundreds” of new stores across the UK, as it looks to reach more customers.
Over the next few months, the German discounter is looking to expand in places like Bristol, Birmingham and Berwick as well as London’s Wandsworth, Fulham, Hoxton and Canning Town.
Lidl has published a list of desired locations for new sites as it looks to grow its presence in cities such as Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, and towns including Woking, Wadebridge, Dumfries and Didcot.
The news comes as the grocer marks 30 years in the UK and follows a year of significant infrastructure investment, which has included the opening of its largest global warehouse in Luton.
Lidl said it is looking for sites in “prominent locations” with “easy access and strong pedestrian or traffic flow”.
A spokesperson continued: “Sites should allow for unit sizes between 18,000 and 26,500 sq ft and over 100 dedicated car parking spaces, and Lidl’s flexible approach means it will consider freehold, leasehold or long leasehold opportunities.”
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The supermarket will pay a finders’ fee of either 1.5% of the total freehold purchase price, or 10% of the first year’s rent for leaseholds, if a site is successfully identified.
Lidl GB chief development officer Richard Taylor said: “As we celebrate our 30th year, our commitment to ensuring that all households across the country have access to high quality produce at affordable prices is stronger than ever.
“We’re planning to open hundreds of new Lidl stores but ultimately see no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential. This is why we’re continuing to invest in new locations whilst exploring innovative routes to expansion.
“As we look ahead, we’re excited to welcome even more new shoppers to our existing stores, as well as those we’re planning to open across the country in the coming months and years.”
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