Lidl highlights London opportunities as it eyes new store openings

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Lidl has published a list of hundreds of priority locations for new stores across the UK in a bid to expand its value offering.

The discounter has revealed it wants to have “over 1,100 stores in the future” and that there is “no ceiling” on its growth potential.

The announcement comes after Lidl secured a record number of new shoppers in store in 2022, as more than 1.4 million customers switched to the discounter from other supermarkets.

The value supermarket opened 50 new stores in 2022 with an additional 15 across the country in the past three months. Kantar named it the fastest-growing supermarket.

Lidl also plans to strengthen its warehouse infrastructure, opening a distribution centre in Leeds and its largest-ever warehouse in Luton this August, which is creating more than 1,500 jobs and serving over 150 stores.

Lidl GB chief executive Ryan McDonnell said: “The last few years have been challenging for everyone, but we’ve made it clear that we’re more committed than ever to ensuring that every single household has access to a Lidl store.

“That’s why our focus is firmly on the future as we continue to grow and invest in our infrastructure, while keeping a lookout for more sites and locations across the country.

“We had over 1.4 million new shoppers coming to us from our competitors over the course of last year. This alone shows the potential for continued growth as customers refuse to pay a premium for their shopping, when they know they can get the same, if not better quality at Lidl.

“As we progress further into 2023, we know that more shoppers will make the switch and whichever of our stores they choose they know they’re getting the best value.”

Lidl GB chief development officer Richard Taylor added: “Our store expansion has been and continues to be unparalleled. In the last three months alone, we’ve opened 15 new stores – more than any other retailer, and in 2022 we welcomed customers through the doors of over 50 new stores.

“But we won’t be stopping there. Our vision is to have over 1,100 stores in the future, but really there’s no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential. What’s important is that we take a strategic and sustainable approach to getting there.”