Lidl to open 50 UK stores in year ahead as part of 600m expansion plans

"Lidl is to open 50 new UK stores in the year ahead as it aims to overtake Morrisons as the country's fifth largest supermarket chain. The German-owned retailer, which now has more than 1,000 British stores, said it planned to invest more than 600m in UK growth, creating almost 2,000 jobs as it expands its warehouse and logistic network to supply its new outlets."

"The plans come as the latest market data indicated that Lidl drew level with Morrisons on UK market share of 8.3% as it achieved the fastest pace of growth among the grocers with physical stores. Only Ocado, the online grocer, outpaced Lidl's 9.6% growth in the three months to 22 March, according to Worldpanel by Numerator as it opened new stores and shoppers sought ways to offset food inflation."

Lidl is set to open 50 new stores in the UK, aiming to surpass Morrisons as the fifth largest supermarket chain. The retailer will invest over £600 million in growth, creating almost 2,000 jobs. New locations include Abbots Langley, Warrington, and Thornbury, with openings scheduled for summer. Lidl's market share has reached 8.3%, matching Morrisons, while it experienced a 9.6% growth rate. The expansion comes amid a cost of living crisis, as consumers seek cheaper grocery options.

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