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  "path": "/money/lidl-50-new-stores-and-2000-jobs-planned",
  "publishedAt": "2026-04-09T08:07:40.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nLidl has announced a £600million investment into its UK operations as it prepares to open more than 50 new stores over the next year.\n\nThe supermarket said the expansion is expected to create close to 2,000 jobs in communities across Britain.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe move follows what Lidl described as a “record-breaking” festive trading period, with sales rising by 10 per cent over Christmas.\n\nLidl said nearly 51 million customers visited its stores in the run-up to the holiday season.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe latest plans represent its largest standard store opening programme in the UK supermarket sector this year.\n\nAmong the first locations set to open this summer are Abbots Langley near Watford, Warrington in Cheshire and Thornbury in Gloucestershire.\n\nThe chain currently operates more than 1,000 stores across Britain and employs over 35,000 people.\n\nLater in April, Lidl will host more than 150 property partners and agents to outline its long-term expansion strategy.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe company said it is seeking new freehold, leasehold and long leasehold sites across Great Britain to support its growth.\n\nAround two-thirds of Lidl’s products are sourced from British suppliers, with the retailer saying new stores will create further opportunities for domestic producers.\n\nThe supermarket also operates 13 distribution centres across the UK to support its network.\n\nRyan McDonnell, the CEO, said: \"As we grow, we want to positively impact our British communities. We're not just opening doors, we're unlocking regional growth.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"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.\"\n\nBusiness and Trade minister Kate Dearden welcomed the announcement: \"This kind of investment is exactly what we want to see from big employers creating thousands of good jobs that pay fair wages and boost the standard of living in communities across the country.\"\n\nLidl is also investing in its logistics network as part of its wider expansion plans.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nWork on a new warehouse in Leeds is ongoing, with operations expected to begin in 2027.\n\nIn London, the retailer has submitted plans to extend and connect its distribution facilities in Belvedere.\n\nThe company said it remains committed to expanding its UK footprint despite challenges in the planning system.\n\nLidl added that continued investment reflects strong demand for discount supermarkets in Britain, with competition intensifying across the grocery sector.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Lidl opening 50 new UK stores with 2,000 jobs created in £600million expansion"
}