THE brand new Lidl on Barrack Road in Christchurch has been left with bare shelves after a series of shortages. 

Also known as the Bailey Bridge Lidl, shoppers were left disappointed this week as they visited the store to find a number of empty shelves. 

One customer, Debbie Plimmer, 55, from Southbourne, posted an update of the shop's shortages on a community group. 

She said: "If you think of going to Lidl’s at Bailey bridge I wouldn’t bother - nothing on shelves or freezers!"

Bournemouth Echo:

Empty shelves in Lidl, Barrack Road - Debbie Plimmer

The post has amassed hundreds of comments with people questionning the reasons behind the shortages, with many citing Brexit supply chain issues as a key factor. 

In pictures Debbie shared with the post that were taken at 5.30pm on Monday, September 13, it is clear to see that there is a lack of fresh produce across the refrigerated section of the store including on the meat and dairy shelves. 

Bournemouth Echo:

Empty shelves in Lidl, Barrack Road - Debbie Plimmer

Earlier this month the boss of the Food and Drink Federation said that the days when UK consumers could expect to pick up nearly whatever product they want whenever they want from supermarket shelves are over.

A spokesperson for Lidl said: “Unfortunately, like a number of other retailers, there has been some disruption to our supply chain networks affecting a limited number of product lines. 

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and are doing all we can to resolve the issues as soon as possible and to minimise any impact to our customers.”

The store has been open for just three-weeks and is one of the stores newly opened as part of Lidl’s ambitious ‘one store a week’ scheme. 

Bournemouth Echo:

Empty shelves in Lidl, Barrack Road - Debbie Plimmer

It is the bargain supermarket's second shop in the town and only welcomed customers for the first time on Thursday, August 26.

In total, the store has created around 40 new jobs and comes as part of Lidl's ongoing £1.3bn expansion and regeneration plans across Great Britain for 2021 and 2022.