Lidl to invest US$750M to open 50 UK stores in the year ahead
Investment of about US$750m targets logistics upgrades and market share gains.
UK – Lidl has confirmed plans to open 50 additional stores across the United Kingdom over the next year, alongside the launch of its first pub, as it steps up competition in the grocery sector.
The retailer said it will invest more than £600m (US$750m) in the expansion programme, which is expected to create close to 2,000 jobs across retail outlets, warehouses, and logistics operations.
A portion of the funding will be directed toward strengthening distribution centres and supply chain infrastructure to support the new stores.
The new locations include Abbots Langley near Watford, Warrington in Cheshire, and Thornbury in Gloucestershire, with openings scheduled throughout the summer.
Licensing rules and Belfast pub project
In East Belfast, Lidl is constructing a pub beside its Dundonald store after working through Northern Ireland’s strict alcohol licensing framework.
Local rules require businesses to acquire a transferred licence and demonstrate that an area lacks sufficient existing licensed premises, often because nearby pubs have closed.
The company said it could not meet the criteria for a standard off-licence but secured approval under pub licensing conditions after recent bar closures in the area.
The planned venue will seat about 60 people, is expected to open in the summer, and will serve beers, wines, spirits, and other beverages sourced partly from Lidl suppliers.
Lidl GB now operates more than 1,000 stores nationwide as it continues to expand its footprint in the UK market.
Competition with major UK grocers
The retailer currently holds an 8.3% market share in the UK, placing it level with Morrisons and narrowing the gap with larger supermarket chains.
Aldi has already moved ahead of Morrisons in the rankings, while Tesco and Sainsbury’s remain the dominant players in the sector.
Lidl recorded sales growth of 9.6% in the latest quarter, outperforming most major rivals except online grocer Ocado.
In the year ending February 2025, Lidl GB reported sales of £11.7bn (US$14.6bn) and profits of £156.8m (US$196m), while its workforce increased to 34,697 employees across its UK operations.
The company’s chief executive said the expansion strategy is aimed at supporting local communities through job creation and increased investment in supply chains.
A government minister said the spending plans are expected to create employment opportunities and improve living standards across different regions.
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