Lidl plans to inject £220 million into its UK expansion. The Schwarz Group will fund the opening of new discount stores, fresh food offers, and 2,500 new jobs. The supermarket chain intends to open 20 new stores in the UK within the next nine months, to take its market total to 670 outlets. It has stated that jobs will be generated in both new and existing stores, and that it is installing in-store bakeries in all of its UK outlets. Using the example set by Lidl’s German home market, it is hiring for specialist roles such as bakery managers and "freshness coordinators". Additional jobs will also be created at its Wimbledon headquarters. Lidl UK Managing Director Ronny Gottschlich stated "We’re focused on a single goal – giving our customers the freshest, highest-quality products possible at the best value. 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." This September, Lidl will open its ninth regional distribution centre following a £80 million investment, to bolster its surge in fresh product sales. According to reports, fresh produce now accounts for 40% of Lidl’s turnover, up from 25% four years ago. Two-thirds of this range is sourced in the UK. © 2014 European Supermarket Magazine by Peter Donnelly
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