Discount supermarket giant Lidl has unveiled ambitious plans to significantly boost its presence across Britain, with a rapid-fire expansion set to create hundreds of new jobs.
Major Investment and Job Creation
The German-owned retailer confirmed it will launch 19 new stores within the next eight weeks, a move expected to generate as many as 640 new employment opportunities. This aggressive rollout forms a key part of Lidl's strategy to capture a larger share of the competitive UK grocery market.
This expansion drive follows a landmark year for the chain, which celebrated opening its 1,000th UK store in 2025. The company is targeting approximately 40 additional locations in the financial year ending 28th February 2026.
Alongside the new openings, Lidl has committed a substantial £43 million to refurbish more than 70 of its existing shops nationwide. This upgrade programme will see stores fitted with new checkouts and expanded freezer capacity to allow for a broader range of products.
Sustainability and Community Focus
The refurbishments also include a strong environmental component. The supermarket is installing energy-efficient technology across its estate, such as refrigeration units that use natural coolants and intelligent lighting systems designed to slash electricity consumption.
Richard Taylor, Chief Real Estate Officer at Lidl GB, stated: "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."
Market Momentum and London Growth
Three of the new stores will be located in London, strengthening the discounter's footprint in the capital. The full list of locations scheduled to open in the coming weeks is:
- Basildon, Laindon, Essex
- Birmingham, Kingstanding, West Midlands
- Brough, Welton Road, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Burntwood, Staffordshire
- Calne, Wiltshire
- Chester, Caldy Valley Road, Cheshire
- Dereham, Norfolk
- Havant, Purbrook Way, Hampshire
- Hereford, Belmont Road, Herefordshire
- Horley, Surrey
- Hucknall, Watnall Road, Nottinghamshire
- Stamford Hill, London
- Walworth Road, London
- Reading, Tilehurst, Berkshire
- Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire
- Salisbury, Churchill Way West, Wiltshire
- Sandford, Dorset
- Sutton high street, Greater London
- Tring, Hertfordshire
According to industry analysts Kantar Worldpanel, Lidl is currently the sixth-largest grocery retailer in Britain and has recently recorded the strongest market share growth in the sector. Experts suggest that if it maintains this trajectory, Lidl could soon overtake Morrisons, which currently holds fifth place.
The group's momentum was underscored by a robust Christmas trading period. Data showed a 10 per cent surge in sales, generating a turnover exceeding £1.1 billion in the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve 2025.
