The German-owned company opened five branches yesterday in Edinburgh, Stockton-on-Tees, Hull, Polegate in East Sussex and Rosehill in south London. A total of 50 stores will open this year. The dramatic growth of Lidl and its rival Aldi since the financial crisis has transformed the grocery market in Britain, putting pressure on the established supermarket chains Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons. Lidl is embarking on a £1.45 billion investment programme in the UK, where it now has 700 stores. It has a 5 per cent share of spending in the grocery market and employs more than 22,000 people.

Source: The Times February 15, 2018 17:03 UTC