Lidl, the leading discount supermarket chain, has announced an ambitious plan to open 66 new stores across Scotland. This expansion will involve a variety of store types, including locations in town centres, retail parks, and standalone sites. The initiative is aimed at increasing Lidl’s footprint across both urban and suburban areas, addressing the growing demand for affordable groceries and improving accessibility for customers.
The new stores will bring Lidl’s renowned selection of products to even more communities, ensuring that a wider range of Scottish shoppers can take advantage of the supermarket’s competitive pricing and product offerings.
A Nationwide Expansion Across Key Locations
Lidl’s expansion strategy focuses on several key areas throughout Scotland, aiming to reach diverse communities with varying shopping preferences. The new locations span major cities like Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, as well as smaller towns such as Banchory, Bo’ness, and Peebles. With such a broad distribution of new stores, Lidl aims to ensure that more people across Scotland will have access to affordable grocery shopping.
The 66 new stores will be strategically placed in high-traffic town centres, as well as in retail parks and standalone locations. Each new store will be built to meet specific requirements, including sizes ranging from 18,000 to 26,500 square feet and featuring at least 100 dedicated parking spaces.
For standalone sites, 1.5 acres of land will be required, while mixed-use developments may need up to 4 acres. These stores will ensure that Lidl can offer a consistent shopping experience, whether located in bustling city centres or quieter suburban areas.
Here is a full list of the areas where Lidl plans to open new stores:
- Aberdeen (Garthdee, Mastrick)
- Glasgow (Baillieston, Cathcart, Crookston, Drumchapel, Govan, Ibrox, Merchant City, Springburn, Summerston)
- Dundee (City Centre)
- Edinburgh (Barnton, City Centre, Colinton, Currie, Gilmerton, Jewel, Liberton, Morningside, Murrayfield, Nicolson St., Oxgangs, Portobello)
- Inverness – South
- Ayr South, Banchory, Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Bo’ness, Bonnyrigg, Broughty Ferry, Clarkston, Clydebank – North, Cumbernauld – North, Cumbernauld – South, Denny – Falkirk, Dumfries, Dunblane, Dunfermline – North, Dunfermline – South, Ellon, Forfar, Fort William, Giffnock, Helensburgh, Irvine, Kilmarnock, Kirkcaldy – North/East, Largs, Leven, Linlithgow, Milngavie, Moodiesburn, Newton Mearns, Paisley – South, Paisley – West, Peebles, Perth – North, Polmont – Falkirk East, Renfrew, St Andrews, Stenhousemuir, Stonehaven, Westhill, Wishaw.
Introducing Lidl Pay for a Seamless Shopping Experience
As part of its commitment to modernize the shopping experience, Lidl has integrated a mobile payment feature directly into the Lidl Plus app. This feature, called Lidl Pay, allows customers to make secure, contactless payments using their smartphones, providing a quick and easy checkout experience.
“The integration of payment functionality into the Lidl Plus app represents a step forward in our digital evolution,” said Shyam Unarket, customer relations director at Lidl GB.
To activate Lidl Pay, users need to enter their card details in the “My Wallet” section of the app, which is located in the ‘Account’ or ‘More’ section at the bottom of the screen. Once activated, users can make purchases at staffed tills or self-checkout terminals using their mobile phones. This innovative payment system ensures a smoother, safer, and more convenient experience for shoppers, while also offering greater flexibility.
Whether customers prefer to pay through traditional methods or use self-checkout, Lidl strives to offer a variety of options that suit each individual’s preferences. According to Daily Record, this digital wallet functionality is just one example of how Lidl is enhancing its customer experience by investing in cutting-edge technologies.
A Focus on Sustainability and Accessibility
Along with expanding its store network, Lidl remains dedicated to sustainable growth. The new stores will be built with energy-efficient designs and incorporate environmentally friendly practices wherever possible.
In addition, many of the new locations are being placed close to public transport hubs, making it easier for customers to shop without needing a car. This commitment to sustainability extends to the stores’ operations, which are expected to help Lidl reduce its carbon footprint while still offering the affordability and quality shoppers have come to expect.
