Lidl will create 2,500 new jobs across the UK over the next nine months as part of a £220million national expansion programme.
The investment will also increase the UK store portfolio from 600 stores to around 620 by the end of 2014.
The company is recruiting specialist managers for the fresh produce and bakery categories, as well as depot staff, store roles at all levels and senior management positions at the company’s HQ in Wimbledon.
In September 2014, Lidl will also open its ninth regional distribution centre, following a separate £80m investment, to support ongoing growth fresh produce sales. The Northfleet depot, in Kent, will create an additional 250 new jobs.
Fresh produce now accounts for over 40 per cent of Lidl UK’s turnover, up from 25 per cent, the company said.
“We operate on a highly efficient business model and source as much as we can locally because it supports UK producers and also limits the financial and environmental impact of transport,” said Ronny Gottschlich, Lidl UK’s managing director. “We’re focused on a single goal – giving our customers the freshest, highest-quality products possible at the best value.
“This latest phase in our growth is a testament to the continuing success of Lidl in the UK. People all over the country are realising they can make huge savings on their weekly grocery shop with us, without compromising on quality.”
The 2014 expansion plans follow four years of growth in sales and profit for Lidl in the UK. Sales have increased by 20 per cent over the past year, leading to a record market share of 3.6 per cent in June, up from three per cent in 2013.
Chancellor George Osborne welcomed the news that Lidl is investing in new jobs across the UK. “Each job means security and a better future for another family and the country as a whole,” he said. “Our long-term economic plan is working, and as the economy is growing businesses up and down the country are feeling increasingly confident about creating jobs.”
Lidl invested £170m in 2013 to fund 12 new stores, 3,500 new staff and store refurbishments to support the Freshness Campaign, designed to raise the profile of locally-sourced and high quality fresh produce.
It has also significantly increased the amount of space allocated to fresh fruit and vegetables, and installed bakeries in all of its UK stores.
