UK: Lidl to make further investments by the end of the year

The supermarket chain Lidl is planning to increase its investments in the UK market with the opening of new stores and a new distribution centre, Talking Retail reports.

The move will see Lidl increase its UK store count by 20 to 620 by the end of the year, with up to 2,500 new jobs reportedly being created.

The investments form  part of a £200 million ($343 million) expansion plan that will also see the opening of a new distribution centre – its ninth in the UK – on the outskirts of Southampton. The centre is due to open in September 2014 at a a cost of £80 million ($137 million).

Lidl’s expansion comes as it  enjoys record market share, up to 3.6% in June. It also comes on the back of a £170million ($291 million) investment made in 2013, involving the opening of 12 new stores,  as well as the hiring of 3,500 new staff and the implementation of store renovations.

Source: Talking Retail