Lidl announces massive multi-million pound Scottish property investment

The retailer has eight new Lidl of the Future stores (LOF) stores; Hawick, Stirling, Greenock, Partick, Oban, Broughton, Craigmillar and Slateford currently in the construction phase.

The LOF specification features a state-of-the-art, glass fronted design forms a key part of Lidl’s expansion programme, which will see all future planning applications for Lidl stores designed in the same way. Along with its design, “the ‘LOF’ concept will also go a step further with sustainable and environmentally friendly technology not requiring a gas connection”, the firm said.

Aa statement from Lidl said: “This forms a key part of the business model, which enables Lidl to keep prices low and the quality of our products high. The new LOF stores, will have a greater sales area than current stores with a much improved welfare area for employees on the mezzanine first floor.”

10 of the existing portfolio of 91 stores north of the border will also see further investment through extensions, modernisation and refurbishment.

The retailer said that with its expansion and investment in Scotland, Lidl, the first British retailer to pay above and beyond the Living Wage rate set by the Living Wage Foundation, will create up to 300 new jobs.

Ross Millar, Lidl’s Managing Director in Scotland, said: “This latest phase in our growth is testament to the continued success of Lidl in Scotland. Our planned investment over the next 12 months signifies our commitment to Scotland and the fact that we are proud to serve Scotland with our best quality for the best price offering. We have also set up a dedicated buying team in Scotland and we are working towards sourcing over 25% of our products from Scottish suppliers. Lidl further enhances the Scottish economy by exporting over £100million of Scottish Whisky to 24 European countries every year.”