Lidl has announced plans to build a warehouse in Leeds set to create 400 jobs, as the discount supermarket ramps up its expansion across Britain. The plans for a new northern base come as the retailer is building its largest global warehouse in Luton, which is set to create more than 1,500 jobs.
Lidl was the fastest-growing supermarket in April with sales surging by more than a quarter to achieve a new record share of the UK market of 7.6%, according to analysis from Kantar. It has benefited from shoppers looking for ways to manage their household budgets as the cost of living has soared, competing with the nation’s biggest supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
It is the second cheapest supermarket in the UK after rival German value chain Aldi. Lidl, which has more than 960 stores and roughly 31,000 staff across Britain, said it has already created about 1,400 jobs for people across the country after opening new warehouses including in Peterborough and Doncaster.
The Luton site is expected to serve more than 150 stores in London and the surrounding cities once up and running. The supermarket said submitting plans for the Leeds venue represents “significant investment” in its distribution network and fostering local economic growth. It is looking out for new sites to open in the south of England, it added.
Ryan McDonnell, chief executive officer of Lidl Great Britain, said: “Demand for Lidl has never been higher as more and more people realise they can make significant savings on every shop without compromising on quality. Our success is dependent on the amazing work that colleagues do and we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands more throughout 2023.”
Entry-level staff at Lidl earn a minimum wage of £11 an hour outside of London, and £11.95 an hour inside the M25. It follows the national living wage rising to £10.42 from April, for all UK workers aged 23 and over.
