Discount supermarket giant Lidl has announced a significant acceleration of its UK growth plans, revealing it will open 19 new stores across the country within the next eight weeks. This rapid expansion is set to create up to 640 new jobs and marks a powerful start to 2026 for the German-owned retailer.
Strategic Growth and Market Ambition
This latest push follows a landmark year for the chain in 2025, when it celebrated opening its 1,000th store in the UK. The company is now targeting the addition of approximately another 40 sites by February 28, 2026. The new openings will establish Lidl's presence in several new locations, including Calne in Wiltshire and Brough in Yorkshire.
Richard Taylor, chief real estate officer for Lidl GB, stated: “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.” He added that the goal is to “win more shoppers across the nation and claim an even bigger share of the market.”
Investment in Stores and Sustainability
Alongside its physical expansion, Lidl is ploughing £43 million into refurbishing more than 70 of its existing UK stores. The modernisation programme includes installing new till systems and larger freezers to accommodate a wider product range.
The retailer is also integrating new energy-saving technology across its estate. Upgrades feature chillers using natural refrigerants and intelligent lighting systems, both designed to substantially cut electricity consumption.
Challenging the Supermarket Hierarchy
Lidl's aggressive strategy is paying clear dividends in market share. According to data from Worldpanel, Lidl is currently the sixth-largest grocery chain in Britain and has been making the most significant market share gains in the sector recently.
Industry experts suggest that if this momentum continues, Lidl could overtake Morrisons to seize fifth place in the coming months. The discounter's strong performance was highlighted over the Christmas period, where it recorded a 10% surge in sales, generating over £1.1 billion in turnover in the four weeks leading to Christmas Eve.
The full list of new Lidl stores scheduled to open in the next eight weeks is:
- Basildon, Laindon, Essex
- Birmingham, Kingstanding, West Midlands
- Brough, Welton Road, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Burntwood, Staffordshire
- Calne, Wiltshire
- Chester, Caldy Valley Road, Cheshire
- Dereham, Norfolk
- Havant, Purbrook Way, Hampshire
- Hereford, Belmont Road, Herefordshire
- Horley, Surrey
- Hucknall, Watnall Road, Nottinghamshire
- Stamford Hill, London
- Walworth Road, London
- Reading, Tilehurst, Berkshire
- Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire
- Salisbury, Churchill Way West, Wiltshire
- Sandford, Dorset
- Sutton high street, Greater London
- Tring, Hertfordshire
