Lidl has today announced plans to open 12 new stores across Scotland, whilst regenerating eight of its existing stores over the next three years.
The move, which is set to create around 500 new jobs for Scotland, will add to the supermarket’s current estate of 98 stores, and will see the opening of its 100th Scottish store next year.
The news follows the recent opening of Lidl’s new store in Paisley – Scotland’s largest town – and will see the supermarket open stores in locations across the country, with construction already underway on stores in Dumbarton, Dundee, East Kilbride, Cowdenbeath andLarkhall.
As part of its regeneration programme, Lidl will be enhancing a number of its existing stores, either through extensions or relocations to bigger sites, in order to cater for growing demand in areas that the supermarket already serves. This includes the relocation of its Alloa and Bathgate stores, which have served their local communities since 1995 and 1999 respectively.
Ross Millar, Lidl’s Regional Director for Scotland, said: “Since opening our very first store in Scotland 25 years ago, we’ve opened our doors to towns and cities across the country, employing more than 2,200 people. We’re incredibly excited by our ambitious growth plans, and in particular the opening of our 100th store next year, which reinforces our commitment to creating new jobs and providing communities with quality produce at prices that are affordable for everyone.”
In April, Lidl welcomed local politicians to the construction site of its new warehouse in Eurocentral, which is set to be fully operational by November. The 58,000 sqm distribution centre will be Lidl’s largest in Great Britain when it opens, and will replace its existing Scottish warehouse in Livingston, helping to support the supermarket’s future growth across Scotland.
The supermarket is passionate about sourcing local produce, and currently stocks over 300 products from over 60 suppliers across Scotland, ranging from quality fruit and vegetables, to dairy and bakery lines.