Lidl is set to open five new stores across England on Thursday, creating up to 160 jobs.
The discounter is looking to maintain its 31-month streak as the UK’s fastest-growing bricks & mortar supermarket [Worldpanel 12-week periods to 25 January 2026]. It holds 7.7% of the market [Worldpanel 12 w/e 25 January 2026], up from 7.3% in a year.
Lidl opened its 1,000th UK store in November last year and plans to open about 40 this year as it chases its long-term goal of eventually having 1,500. It is an ambition shared by discounter rival Aldi, which currently has about 1,080 UK stores.
Lidl also recently announced sector-leading new entry-level hourly pay rates effective 1 March, of £13.45 nationally and £14.80 inside the M25.
“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.”
Since 2023, Lidl has been seeking investment to fund the construction of new stores in sale and leaseback deals, as an alternative to freehold ownership and a new way to enable its expansion. The Grocer revealed in August last year that Lidl had secured an investment offer of more than €250m (£215m) from ICG to fund the construction of 35 stores across the UK and Europe in return for the freeholds.
The five new Lidl stores all set to open on Thursday 19 February are in:
- Chester, Caldy Valley Road
- Calne, Oxford Road
- Dereham, Yaxham Road
- Havant, Purbrook Way
- London, Stamford Hill
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