Lidl: supermarket chain announces major new investment as it marks 25th anniversary in Northern Ireland

Lidl Northern Ireland today (Thursday) announced a £150m investment as it marked the 25th anniversary of the opening of its first store in Cookstown.

Around 400 jobs could be created as a result.

The announcement comes as a new report shows the supermarket chain pumped £360m into Northern Ireland's economy last year.

That was double its annual economic contribution over the past five years.

In addition, the company supported almost 7,000 jobs right across the region.

The findings were published in a specially commissioned report by Oxford Economics and Lidl Northern Ireland to directly examine the retailer’s growing impact and capture its value to the local economy.

As part of its milestone celebrations, the retailer said the new investment would help expand its presence across Northern Ireland and "upgrade and revitalise its existing store network over the next three years."

J.P. Scally, Chief Executive Officer Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said:

“As we mark 25 years of Lidl Northern Ireland, we’re proud to share the findings of this latest economic impact report which not only affirms our position as a leading retailer and employer, but which cements our commitment to delivering for everyone in the region.

"Since day one, our aim has always been to offer consumers the very best quality produce at market leading value whilst operating sustainably and delivering tangible impacts for the communities which we serve.

"Today, we can clearly see the fruits of our labour and I’m very proud of the significant impacts we have delivered for the wider Northern Ireland economy and, importantly, our customers who continue to vote with their feet and choose Lidl Northern Ireland.

"With consistent growth propelling us to a current market share of 9.1 percent, we’ve enjoyed phenomenal success and that’s down to the hard work and dedication of our fantastic employees across the region, as well as our incredible Northern Irish suppliers who have grown with us and continue to champion the highest quality produce.”

Now among the region’s largest employers, Lidl Northern Ireland sustained 6,900 jobs and directly employed almost 1,300 people in 2023 – up around 50% in the past five years.

Meanwhile, the report’s author Neil McCullough, Associate Director, Oxford Economics said:

“Lidl Northern Ireland continues to trailblaze the local supermarket retail sector and this report clearly demonstrates the impressive strides the retailer has taken particularly in the last five years – significantly growing its economic contribution and dramatically growing its workforce. It’s clear to see that Lidl Northern Ireland’s proposition resonates locally and its remarkable growth will solidify its position as a leading local retailer for many years to come.”