Discount supermarket with 960 locations to shut second store for good in weeks before expansion plans
A MAJOR discount supermarket chain is closing another one of its stores with weeks and shoppers have branded the news “shocking”.
Lidl, which has over 960 UK locations, is set to pull down the shutters on its branch in Leyland, Lancashire, on February 29.
The retailer said it is shutting the site at Churchill Way Retail Park as it is “no longer fit for purpose”.
But it comes as the discounter plans to open hundreds more stores before the end of next year.
A spokesperson for Lidl said: “We can confirm that our Leyland store on Churchill Way will be closing on 29th February as it is unfortunately no longer fit for purpose.
“Leyland is on our site requirements list and we’re actively looking for alternative locations for a new store in the area.”
Local residents have shared their dismay following the news the store will close permanently.
One said: “That is disappointing and shocking,” while another added: “This is a shame. Do all my shopping there as its handy and on the way home from work. All the staff are amazing.”
A third shopper commented: “You taking the p**s,” and a fourth added: “Fuming!”
It comes after Lidl confirmed it is closing its branch in Kentish Town, London, on February 11.
A spokesperson said the store is being forced to close as it is also “no longer fit for purpose”.
Meanwhile, its Paignton store in the Victoria Centre in Devon is shutting on February 4 after 25 years.
But it’s not all bad news for the discounter as it also has major expansion plans.
In April last year, it revealed it was looking at opening hundreds of new stores before the end of 2025.
The retailer has set a new store portfolio target of 1,100 sites, and plans to create 4,000 jobs in the process.
Lidl was also crowned the second cheapest supermarket for a basket of 43 items in 2023.
The findings from consumer group Which? revealed the discounter was pipped first place by Aldi – but by just £2.
Which? retail editor Ele Clark said it was “no surprise” shoppers were turning to discounters such as Aldi and Lidl as food prices rise.
Ways to save money at Lidl
Despite Lidl being so cheap, there are certain products you should be looking at to get the best value for money.
Shopping expert Karen Green previously revealed to The Sun four of the best items to go for – and the ones to avoid.
Among the recommendations was cupboard staples, which are usually much cheaper compared to other high street supermarkets.
Meanwhile, she suggested buying alcohol, which is usually well-stocked in stores and offers competitive prices, whether it be red or white wine, Prosecco and sparkling wines.
You’ll want to look out for five sneaky tricks Lidl uses to get customers to spend more too, according to Jordon Cox, who dubbs himself Britain’s “Coupon Kid”.
That includes being wary of Lidl’s Pick of the Week and making sure price tags match up to the correct products.
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