Lidl is offering a “finder’s fee” to anyone including members of the public who spot a good site for a new store.
The supermarket chain has published a long list of “priority locations” the company is eyeing for a fresh opening including across a swathe of Merseyside and Cheshire from Ainsdale to Runcorn and further afield. Lidl said the plans are spurred by “phenomenal” record growth with the discounter recently named the UK’s fastest-growing supermarket by Kantar data analysis following 15 store openings in three months, and 1.4m shoppers who switched from competitors in 2022.
The firm is aiming to have more than 1,100 stores across Britain in total, building on its current tally of in excess of 950. In the North West, the firm wants to hear from anyone including residents tips for good locations that meet its requirements. Prospective sites must have the following qualities: 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; at least 100 car parking spaces; at least 1.5 acres for standalone stores or up to four acres for mixed-use schemes; and at the edge of town centres or on retail parks.
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Lidl said a successful “finder’s fee” enquiry will prompt a response in seven days and a payment worth 1.5% for previously unknown freehold sites or 10% of year one rent for leaseholds.
The massive list of 36 stores include Liverpool City Region locations in: One store in either Birkdale or Ainsdale; Crosby; two Ellesmere Port stores north and south; Formby; Huyton; Kirkby; Aigburth; Allerton; Anfield; Liverpool City Centre; Gateacre; Hunts Cross; Netherton; Norris Green; Old Swan; Speke, Vauxhall; Walton; West Derby; Woolton; Maghull (relocation); Prescot; Rainhill; Runcorn; three Widnes stores central, north and south; Heswall; Hoylake or West Kirkby; Moreton; Neston; New Brighton; New Ferry; Seacombe; and Upton.
Many more sites are being sought around the rest of Great Britain.
Ryan McDonnell, Lidl GB chief executive, 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."
Outlining the finder’s fee scheme, a Lidl spokesman said: "A finder’s fee of either 1.5% of the total freehold or 10% 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."
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