Lidl to open 50 new stores this year as sales hit £13bn and discounter ramps up pressure on rivals

Lidl has said it will open more than 50 new stores this year as part of a £600million investment to poach more shoppers from its rivals.

The British arm of the German discount giant, which recently overtook Morrisons to become the country’s fifth-largest grocer, is seeking to grow its market share further.

It said revenue rose 10.8 per cent to £13billion over the year to February 28, 2026 – thanks to 40 new shops which opened during the period. Operating profits rose 9.9 per cent to £345million.

Lidl sold 486 million more products, with growth across fresh meat and fruit and vegetables. It has also been focusing on winning more customers by price cuts and promotions, including through its loyalty Lidl Plus app.

Lidl said it invested a total of £315million into price cuts and promotions last year.

It comes as traditional supermarkets have been on the defensive and launched their own slew of price cuts over the past two years.

Grocery price wars: German discounter Lidl has been poaching customers from other supermarkets

Lidl GB chief executive Ryan McDonnell said: ‘Our performance is a clear testament to the trust that millions of customers place in us every week as a direct result of the dedication of our colleagues right across the country.

‘As we grow, our focus doesn’t shift – we’re constantly investing in low prices, high quality, and maximum value for our customers.’

It said it won 43 million new shoppers and continued to be the UK’s ‘fastest-growing bricks-and-mortar supermarket.’

Only Ocado, which sells groceries online, has been achieving better growth in recent months, according to industry researchers at Worldpanel.

Lidl overtook Morrisons as the country’s fifth biggest grocer in May.

Market researchers at Worldpanel said that Lidl held 8.7 per cent of the market over the three months to September 6, from 8.3 per cent a year ago

Its sales rose 8 per cent to £3.16billion over the period – eclipsing sales growth at rival Aldi, where sales grew just 0.7 per cent in the same period.

Lidl has had an impressive ascent, as 20 years ago it made up just 1.4 per cent of the market.

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