Lidl Unveils Ambitious Expansion Plans in the UK, Focusing on Town Centres and Retail Parks

Strategic Insights -

Lidl, the supermarket chain, has announced plans to open hundreds of new stores across the UK, targeting areas with gaps in its provision. The company's autumn 2025 site requirements brochure lists 57 cities, towns, and villages in Wales, including 11 sites in North Wales, where Lidl aims to establish a presence. The expansion plans are backed by measures proposed in the UK Government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill, which seeks to remove barriers to development. With over 980 UK stores already and "hurtling" towards the 1,000 mark, Lidl is seeking locations that meet its standard store requirements, including unit sizes between 18,000 and 26,500 sq ft and a minimum of 100 dedicated car parking spaces.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lidl plans to open hundreds of new stores across the UK, focusing on town centres, retail parks, and standalone sites.
  • The company aims to establish a presence in 57 cities, towns, and villages in Wales, including 11 sites in North Wales.
  • Major expansion is planned in cities like Chester, Cardiff, and Liverpool, with multiple sites required in each location.
  • The company is looking for locations that meet its standard store requirements, including unit sizes between 18,000 and 26,500 sq ft and a minimum of 100 dedicated car parking spaces.
  • For London and the M25 corridor alone, Lidl is aiming for around 100 additional stores with flexible formats in shopping centres, high streets, and retail parks.
  • Lidl's GB arm already has over 980 UK stores and is "hurtling" towards the 1,000 mark.
  • The company's expansion plans are backed by measures proposed in the UK Government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill, designed to remove barriers to development.

**Richard Taylor, chief development officer, commented:** "There are still so many parts of the country crying out for convenient access to a Lidl store."

Statistics:

  • Lidl aims to open hundreds of new stores across the UK.
  • 57 cities, towns, and villages in Wales have been identified as potential sites for new Lidl stores.
  • 11 sites in North Wales are targeted for Lidl's expansion plans.
  • Major expansion is planned in cities like Chester, with three more sites required.
  • 7 sites are required in Cardiff.
  • 14 new locations are planned in Liverpool.
  • Only 2 sites are needed in the whole of Mid Wales.
  • Lidl's GB arm already has over 980 UK stores.

Sources:

  • Lidl's autumn 2025 site requirements brochure.
  • UK Government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
  • PA Wire.