Discount supermarket chain Lidl is accelerating its growth strategy by launching 19 new stores within the next two months. This rapid expansion plan, averaging one store opening every other day, will result in the creation of 640 new jobs.

As a German-owned retailer, Lidl has solidified its position as the sixth largest grocery chain in the UK, boasting an 8.1% market share based on recent data from Worldpanel. Since its inception in the UK in 1994, Lidl has expanded to over 1,000 outlets and operates 14 regional distribution centers nationwide, employing over 35,000 individuals.

The new store locations span from Calne, Wiltshire to Brough, Yorkshire. Customers visiting these new stores can enjoy complimentary food samples and have the chance to win special prizes on opening days. In addition to opening new stores, Lidl plans to invest £40 million in renovating more than 70 existing branches, including the installation of upgraded tills and larger freezers.

Richard Taylor, the chief real estate officer at Lidl GB, expressed the company’s dedication to enhancing customer experience and community impact through this significant investment. Lidl aims to attract more shoppers nationwide and increase its market share.

Following a successful holiday season, Lidl reported record-breaking Christmas sales, exceeding £1.1 billion with a 10% year-on-year sales growth. The retailer welcomed nearly 51 million customers during the festive period, indicating an 8% increase in shopper numbers compared to the previous year.

Worldpanel data shows that Lidl’s sales surged by 10.2% to £2.9 billion in the last quarter of the previous year, positioning the chain closely behind Morrisons, whose market share has slightly declined to 8.3%. While Lidl remains below competitor Aldi, which holds a 10.5% market share, Aldi’s sales growth rate slowed to 4.1% in the most recent 12-month period.

Despite Aldi being recognized as the cheapest supermarket in 2025 by Which?, Lidl closely followed as the second most affordable option. In December, the average cost of a shopping basket at Aldi was £123.60, with Lidl trailing by just 10p at £123.70 for both Lidl Plus members and non-members.