Lidl is looking to add a second store in Grantham

A supermarket chain is looking to add a second store in the area.

Lidl is exploring options for an additional store in Grantham as part of a nationwide search to secure sites for new stores.

This comes after Lidl welcomed a record number of new shoppers to its UK stores in 2022.

Grantham is one of the sites listed within Lidl’s site requirements brochure, which indicates that it is an area of interest to Lidl for new stores, not new store plans or openings.

It is among a long list of potential sites, from which a number of stores will eventually be developed and opened.

A spokesperson for Lidl said that it would not be taking over the former Aldi store in Grantham.

They also confirmed that the search would not impact the existing Lidl store in Watergate and that the company was looking for an additional site in the area.

“The [Grantham] area is still on our site requirements list and we are continuing to review all suitable options”, they added.

As Lidl seeks to secure sites for future stores, the discounter has also doubled down on its plans to strengthen its warehouse infrastructure, further increasing capacity across the country.

Over the last five years it has opened over 240,000 square metres of warehouse space and invested over £700m.

A finder’s fee of either 1.5 per cent of the total freehold or 10 per cent of the first year’s rent for leaseholds will be given to anyone, including members of the public, who successfully identify sites for the potential development of new Lidl stores.

Locations with easy access for pedestrians and space for parking are optimal.

The full list of site requirements are below:-

• Prominent locations with easy access and strong pedestrian or traffic flow.
• Freehold, leasehold or long leasehold opportunities.
• Unit sizes between 18,000 and 26,500 sq. ft and 100+ dedicated car parking spaces.
• 1.5+ acres for standalone stores or up to 4 acres for mixed-use schemes.
• Town centre or edge of centre and retail parks.
• Lidl GB has published its latest list of priority locations for new Lidl stores across the country
• As the discounter continues to experience record growth, with it recently being named the UK's fastest growing supermarket, Lidl opened 15 new stores in the last three months
• Update comes after Lidl welcomed record 1.4 million new shoppers from competitors in 2022
• Chief Development Officer confirms "no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential”

Ryan McDonnell, Lidl GB CEO, said: “The last few years have been challenging for everyone, but we’ve made it clear that we’re more committed than ever to ensuring that every single household has access to a Lidl store.

“That’s why our focus is firmly on the future as we continue to grow and invest in our infrastructure, while keeping a lookout for more sites and locations across the country.

“We had over 1.4 million new shoppers coming to us from our competitors over the course of last year.

“This alone shows the potential for continued growth as customers refuse to pay a premium for their shopping, when they know they can get the same, if not better quality at Lidl.

“As we progress further into 2023, we know that more shoppers will make the switch, and whichever of our stores they choose, they know they’re getting the best value.”