Lidl begins to roll out major change to UK supermarkets 'before Christmas'

Lidl will open 10 new stores across the UK before Christmas. Lidl has announced plans to open 10 new stores before Christmas in a move that will create around 400 new jobs across the country, the German supermarket has confirmed.

Three of the new stores will be located in London, with the other stores opening in locations including Bristol, Birmingham and Devon. Additionally, Lidl will be reopening relocated or refurbished stores in Chessington and Dagenham in London, and Connahs Quay in Wales.

The retailer currently operates around 960 stores but has previously stated its aim to surpass 1,100 locations across England, Wales and Scotland. Lidl's chief development officer, Richard Taylor, emphasised the company's commitment to expansion. He explained: "Our plan to open 10 new stores before Christmas demonstrates our continued commitment to providing more communities across the country with access to affordable, quality food, as well as employment opportunities.

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"But we still have big ambitions for our expansion plans to open hundreds more Lidl stores in the future. Our teams are constantly scouring the country for new sites, identifying opportunities not just in towns where we don't currently have stores, but also in areas where existing stores are experiencing increasing demand."

Lidl said it has struck a sale and leaseback deal with a joint venture between Roadside Real Estate Plc and Meadow Partners worth £70 million. The deal includes 12 new stores in locations such as Crediton, Manchester, and Saffron Walden. As well as opening stores in new locations, the company is also looking to expand existing stores where demand is increasing.

It comes weeks after Lidl confirmed it was hiring for 1,000 new roles over the next five months to keep up with consumer demand. Nan Gibson, Lidl's chief HR officer, said: "As our customer base continues to grow, and as we open more new stores and warehouses, we need more people to join team Lidl."