Lidl to continue fast expansion across Europe | Progresiv
In 2019, Lidl will maintain its rapid expansion in Europe. More store openings have been announced in several markets and new partnerships will enable the retailer to enter new locations. 
After the completion of 40 new stores in 2018, Lidl Italia has announced it will maintain the same pace in 2019. 350 million euros will be invested. Some of the new stores will reflect the new metropolitan format, with the store being built above a carpark. More space and a better layout will be given to fresh and chilled ranges, with a focus on products with an Italian origin.
With 20 stores planned to open in 2019, Lidl Sweden could reach the 200 mark a year before initially scheduled. The expansion will continue in smaller cities, which are showing a growing interest for the discounter. Lidl is also interested in growing its presence in more central locations after a successful trial in locations like Stockholm.
Lidl Greece’s managing director, Iakovos Andreadidis, has announced, in an interview with Self Service, that the group will invest 120 million euros in 2019. Five new stores will be added to the chain, to reach a total of 226. Warehouse space will be expanded, and money will be invested in the installation of ovens for bakery products in every single store. In addition to these investments the number of SKUs will grow by 250, to a total of 2,300. An emphasis will be placed on Greek and fresh products.
Lidl Suisse signed an agreement with department store chain Loeb in to enter urban locations and get closer to its shoppers. The partnership will start during summer 2019 with the first store to open in Bienne. The store design will be adapted to fit with the premium layout of the Loeb store, but the product range will be the standard one.
Lidl Portugal has announced a partnership with Ikea to develop a store in the commercial area of Loures. The store will open in summer 2019 with an area of 1,400 sq m. The objective for both companies is to share synergies and offer a greater choice of products to shoppers in a convenient location. This is the first time that both companies have made such an agreement. (www.igd.com)
