Lidl have announced plans to open up a brand new store next to Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon.
The discount retailer made the announcement as part of a three-pronged expansion, including new stores in Dungannon and Bangor.
New stores at Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon and beside Bloomfield Shopping Centre in Bangor will both replace older stores nearby.
The company said the plans will support “hundreds of jobs” during development and construction, with 50 new jobs when the stores open. All three areas already have over 60 employees. Subject to planning permission, the stores will open next year.
Chris Speers, Lidl Northern Ireland property director, said: “Welcoming more than a half a million shoppers through our store network each week, we continue to prioritise delivering the best shopping experience for our customers. Alongside our ambitious expansion plans in the region, we are focused on upgrading our existing store network to bring older stores in line with our industry leading, sustainably focused ‘Concept’ design.
“I am delighted to confirm new plans to relocate and upgrade our stores in Bangor, Craigavon and Dungannon, where we have served local communities for more than two decades. These proposed new stores are important for us, and we hope that new and existing customers are as excited as we are by our plans for significant local investment in our local communities.”
Lidl Northern Ireland is marking 25 years in Northern Ireland this year, and has 41 stores here in total.
Ivan Ryan, regional managing director, said: “As we mark our landmark 25th year in Northern Ireland, we are firmly focused on expanding and enhancing our growing local store network.
“Since 2018, Lidl Northern Ireland has consistently been the region’s fastest-growing supermarket, so it’s clear to see that our established ‘Big on Quality, Lidl on Price’ proposition is resonating with even more shoppers.”
Earlier this year, Lidl Northern Ireland, confirmed a price drop for more than 500 products within its everyday range.
Mr Ryan added: “Committed to providing the best quality produce at the best value, our goal is to make it easier for new and existing customers to access great local value and choice wherever they are. Our plans for upgraded new stores in Bangor, Craigavon and Dungannon will better meet the needs of a growing customer base in these areas and cements our long-term commitment to serving and investing in local communities.”
Public consultations on all three new stores will take place in the next few weeks in existing stores. The first is in Dungannon on Tuesday February, February 13 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, in Bangor on Tuesday, March 19 at 4.30pm to 6.30pm and in Craigavon on Monday, April 8 from 3pm to 6pm.
