Lidl Unveils Ambitious £600m Store Expansion Plan

Lidl GB has announced plans to open more than 50 stores over the next 12 months, signalling more shelf space, more local reach, and more supply opportunities for British fresh produce growers. 

Image: Lidl GB

The discounter said in a press release that its new £600 million investment in its British store network will create more opportunities for national suppliers, giving British businesses more certainty to invest.

Already, Lidl said two-thirds of its products already come from UK businesses, and the retailer holds long-term relationships with agriculture and food businesses across the country. 

The expansion is designed to strengthen regional growth as Lidl continues to widen its footprint across Great Britain.

“We’re not just opening doors, we’re unlocking regional growth,” said Ryan McDonnell, CEO at Lidl GB. 

“Our expansion translates directly into high-quality jobs and gives British suppliers the certainty they need to invest in the future. Above all, it advances our social purpose of making affordable, healthy food accessible to everyone.”

At the end of 2025, Lidl pledged to double to £30 billion its investment in the British food and farming industry over the next five years. 

That drive is aimed at strengthening Lidl’s commitment to backing domestic suppliers, including fresh produce, and supporting long-term sustainable growth across the sector. 

Lidl described its new 50-store objective as its “most ambitious” standard store opening plan in the UK supermarket sector this year, creating almost 2,000 jobs.

Early openings are due in Abbots Langley (near Watford), Warrington (Cheshire) and Thornbury (Gloucestershire) this summer. 

The expansion builds on Lidl’s earlier announcement in January for 19 new store openings within the first two months of the year and plans to invest £40m in modernising 70 existing sites.

For fresh produce companies, the expansion underlines the retailer’s growing demand for reliable supply, competitive pricing, and strong logistics support. 

As it expands, Lidl is progressing with infrastructure investment, including a new warehouse in Leeds due to break ground next year, and a planning application to expand its Belvedere distribution site in London.

Lidl also said it is actively looking for freehold, leasehold, or long leasehold properties to support further expansion.

To date, Lidl operates over 1,000 stores and 13 distribution centres in England, Scotland, and Wales.