Lidl has opened its most central London store yet as part of its £500m five-year expansion plan for the capital.
The new 15,000 sq. ft. store, of which plans were first announced last year, is on Tottenham Court Road, close to University College Hospital. The discounter has pledged to donate snacks and fruit & veg directly to NHS workers to help keep them fuelled during the current crisis.
Despite its central London location, the stores stock Lidl’s full range and will open from 7am to 10pm on Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sundays.
Lidl GB CEO, Christian Härtnagel, said: “We know how important our role is at this time in helping keep the nation fed. Through the opening of this new store on Tottenham Court Road, we’re proud that we can provide the local community and frontline workers at University College Hospital with access to the essential products they need, at affordable prices.”
Lidl is planning over 40 new London stores by 2025 to challenge the current dominance of Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. The plans include a new HQ in Tolworth, South West London, an extra distribution centre in Luton and the expansion of its Belvedere DC.
Aldi is also pursuing expansion in London with plans to more than double its estate to 100 outlets by 2025, including the roll-out of its smaller ‘Local’ format.
