Discount supermarket Lidl is set to accelerate its expansion with the opening of 19 new stores in the next two months. This rapid growth, averaging one store launch every other day, will result in the creation of 640 jobs.
Lidl, a German-owned chain, has established itself as the sixth largest grocery retailer in the UK, holding an 8.1% market share according to recent data from Worldpanel. Since its inception in 1994, Lidl has grown to operate over 1,000 outlets and 14 regional distribution centers nationwide, employing more than 35,000 individuals.
The new store locations span from Calne, Wiltshire, to Brough, Yorkshire. Each opening day will feature complimentary food sampling and opportunities to win special prizes for shoppers. Alongside the store expansions, Lidl has announced a £40 million investment to revamp over 70 existing branches, incorporating enhancements like new checkout counters and expanded freezer sections.
Richard Taylor, Lidl GB’s chief real estate officer, expressed enthusiasm for the company’s investment strategy, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing customer experience and benefiting local communities. Lidl aims to attract more customers across the UK and increase its market share through this initiative.
Following a successful holiday season, Lidl reported record-breaking Christmas sales, surpassing £1.1 billion with a 10% increase in sales compared to the previous year. The retailer welcomed 8% more shoppers, totaling nearly 51 million customers, reflecting a growth trend in consumer traffic.
Worldpanel data shows that Lidl experienced a 10.2% surge in sales, reaching £2.9 billion in the final quarter of the previous year. This growth in market share has positioned Lidl closely behind Morrisons, which now holds an 8.3% market share. While Aldi maintains a higher market share at 10.5%, its sales growth has slowed to 4.1% in the latest 12-month period.
Aldi was recently recognized as the most cost-effective supermarket in 2025 by consumer advocate Which?. In December, Aldi topped the list with an average monthly spending of £123.60 for 68 items, closely followed by Lidl at £123.70, offering competitive pricing for both Lidl Plus members and non-members.
