Lidl GB has on Tuesday announced plans to open 19 new stores in just eight weeks, alongside a £43 million investment to modernise more than 70 existing sites across Britain.
The discounter said the openings – equating to one store opening every other day – will create up to 640 new roles nationwide and expand its footprint into new locations from Calne, Wiltshire, to Brough, Yorkshire. Lidl added that customers visiting stores on opening day can expect complimentary food sampling and the chance to win “special Lidl prizes”.
The expansion forms part of what the retailer described as a period of rapid growth, as it strengthens its position as the UK’s “fastest-growing bricks and mortar retailer”, citing Worldpanel by Numerator data for the 52 weeks to 28 December 2025.
Earlier this month, the retailer reported its biggest Christmas trading period on record, with turnover exceeding £1.1 billion in the four weeks to Christmas Eve, as sales rose 10 per cent year on year.
Alongside new store openings, Lidl confirmed it will refurbish more than 70 existing stores from Dundee to the Isle of Wight. The investment will include upgrades such as new tills and larger freezers, designed to support a wider product range.
Lidl also said modernised sites will incorporate energy-saving features, including chillers using natural refrigerants and smart lighting systems aimed at reducing electricity use, supporting its journey towards Net Zero.
Richard Taylor, Chief Real Estate Officer at Lidl GB, said: “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. With this push, we’re set on winning more shoppers across the nation and claiming an even bigger share of the market.”
The retailer added that the benefits of its expansion would extend beyond new store jobs through its community initiatives, highlighting its surplus food donation scheme Feed it Back, delivered with charity partner Neighbourly. Lidl said the scheme provided 18.5 million meals last year, supporting 6.8 million people across Great Britain.
Store openings
- Basildon, Laindon
- Birmingham, Kingstanding
- Brough, Welton Road
- Burntwood
- Calne
- Chester, Caldy Valley Rd
- Dereham
- Havant, Purbrook Way
- Hereford, Belmont Road
- Horley
- Hucknall, Watnall Rd
- London, Stamford Hill
- London, Walworth Road
- Reading, Tilehurst
- Royal Wootton Bassett
- Salisbury, Churchill Way West
- Sandford
- Sutton High Street
- Tring