Lidl is ramping up its UK expansion plans as it reveals it is set open 19 new stores over the next eight weeks while investing £40m to upgrade its existing estate.

The discounter’s latest growth phase will see it open branches in new locations such as Calne in Wiltshire and Brough in Yorkshire.

Alongside new openings, Lidl is committing £43m to refurbish more than 70 existing stores, from Dundee to the Isle of Wight.

The upgrades will include new tills, larger freezer capacity and a wider product range, as well as energy-saving features such as natural refrigerant chillers and smart lighting systems to reduce electricity use.

The investment comes shortly after Lidl opened its 1,000th store in Great Britain and supports its ambition to continue growing its bricks-and-mortar presence.

The retailer currently reaches more than 60% of British households and contributed £14.5bn in gross value added to the UK economy in FY24.

“We’re starting the new year as we mean to go on, with a major investment that reinforces our commitment to delivering the best experience for customers and creating a positive impact for the communities we serve,” said Lidl GB chief real estate officer Richard Taylor.

“With this push, we’re set on winning more shoppers across the nation and claiming an even bigger share of the market.”

Lidl said its expansion will also bring wider community benefits through what it describes as ‘the Lidl Effect’.

New stores will support local causes from day one, while its surplus food donation scheme, Feed it Back, delivered with charity partner Neighbourly, helped provide 18.5 million meals across Great Britain last year.

The retailer said both the new store openings and refurbishments are designed to improve the shopping experience while supporting local employment and reducing environmental impact as it works towards its Net Zero goals.

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