Lidl has announced plans to open 19 new stores across Britain over the next eight weeks as part of its latest expansion drive.
The German-owned discount supermarket said the new openings will create up to 640 jobs in communities across the country.
The retailer said the stores will open in areas where Lidl does not currently operate, expanding its national footprint.
The announcement marks an early expansion push for 2025 following a year of strong growth for the supermarket chain.
Lidl opened its 1,000th UK store last year, reaching a significant milestone in its British operations as part of its aim to open around 40 new stores by the end of February.
Alongside the new store openings, Lidl is investing £43million in refurbishing more than 70 existing shops across the UK.
The refurbishment programme will include the installation of new tills and larger freezer units.
Lidl said the upgrades will allow stores to stock a wider range of products for customers, as it also introduces energy-saving technology as part of the refurbishment work.
This includes the installation of new chillers that use natural refrigerants, and smart lighting systems designed to reduce electricity consumption.
Lidl plans to invest over £40million in modernisations
|Lidl
Lidl said the investment reflects its commitment to improving both new and existing stores.
The company said it aims to enhance the shopping experience while reducing the environmental impact of its operations.
Richard Taylor, chief real estate officer at Lidl UK, said: "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."
Mr Taylor said: "With this push, we're set on winning more shoppers across the nation and claiming an even bigger share of the market."
According to data from Worldpanel, Lidl is currently Britain’s sixth-largest supermarket by market share.
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Lidl’s expansion comes as it continues to grow its share of the UK grocery market
|Lidl
Worldpanel figures show the chain has recorded the largest market share gains in the sector in recent months.
Industry analysts have suggested Lidl could soon overtake Morrisons, which currently ranks as the UK’s fifth-largest grocery retailer.
The retailer’s performance was boosted over the Christmas period, as it reported a 10 per cent increase in sales during the festive season.
Lidl generated more than £1.1billion in turnover in the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve, with the strong trading period reflecting a growing demand from shoppers seeking value.
Here are a list of Lidl’s store openings in the next eight weeks:
Three of the stores will go to the capital
| PA