BUDGET supermarket Lidl has announced plans to open multiple new shops in Dorset as part of its “unparallel” expansion.
The German retailer has published a list of towns it wishes to either build more shops or open a first branch.
Lidl has revealed it wishes to build new stores in Bournemouth and Poole, as well as a new store in Sherborne, Swanage, Wareham and Lymington, over the county border in Hampshire.
Chief development officer for Lidl GB, Richard Taylor, said: “Our store expansion has been and continues to be unparalleled.
“In the last three months alone, we’ve opened 15 new stores [nationwide] – more than any other retailer, and in 2022 we welcomed customers through the doors of over 50 new stores.
“But we won’t be stopping there. Our vision is to have over 1,100 stores in the future, but really there’s no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential.
Read more: Lidl hits back at Co-op as supermarket war erupts in Dorset
“What’s important is that we take a strategic and sustainable approach to getting there.”
Lidl has already revealed plans to open sites in Dorset, including an application submitted for a new store in Sandford Road, near Wareham.
The firm is also testing the waters for one in Westover Retail Park in Bournemouth and another store will be opening this summer in West Parley.
A store in Bournemouth town centre closed last year and Ferndown's branch is temporarily closed as a new building is constructed.
Read more: No opening date confirmed for Lidl's West Parley store
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.
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“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.”
Data analysis firm Kantar recently named Lidl as the fastest-growing supermarket following a rise in sales of nearly 26 per cent and more than 50 new stores opening nationwide in 2022.
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