Discount supermarket chain Lidl is accelerating its growth strategy with plans to open 19 new stores over the next eight weeks, creating 640 job opportunities in the process. The German-owned retailer has solidified its position as the sixth largest grocery chain in the UK, boasting an 8.1% market share based on recent data. Since establishing its first UK store in 1994, Lidl has expanded to operate over 1,000 locations and 14 distribution centers nationwide, supporting a workforce of over 35,000 employees.
The upcoming store openings will span various locations from Calne, Wiltshire to Brough, Yorkshire, offering shoppers the chance to enjoy complimentary food samples and win special prizes on each opening day. Additionally, Lidl has announced a £40 million investment plan to revamp more than 70 existing branches, enhancing customer experience with new checkout counters and expanded freezer sections.
Richard Taylor, Lidl GB’s chief real estate officer, expressed the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and community impact through these developments, aiming to attract more shoppers and increase market share across the country. Lidl’s recent success was highlighted by a record-breaking Christmas season, with sales exceeding £1.1 billion and a significant rise in customer footfall compared to the previous year.
Worldpanel data reveals a 10.2% sales surge for Lidl in the final quarter of last year, solidifying its market position and putting pressure on competitors like Morrisons. Although Aldi maintains a slightly higher market share at 10.5%, its sales growth has slowed in the latest reporting period. Notably, Aldi was recognized as the cheapest supermarket in December 2025 by consumer watchdog Which?, with Lidl closely following as the second most cost-effective option.
In conclusion, Lidl’s expansion efforts and financial performance demonstrate its competitive edge in the retail market, setting the stage for continued growth and customer satisfaction in the upcoming year.