The new store has created 40 new jobs
The fruit and veg corner
A new Lidl has officially opened in one area of Merseyside. The modern discount store welcomed its first set of customers through its doors at its newest Southport venue today, Thursday, October 23.
Spanning 1,334 sqm, the Marine Drive shop features the discounter’s fan-favourite in-store bakery, iconic Middle of Lidl, and customer facilities, including toilets with baby-changing stations. The store will be open from 8am to 10pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
It launched today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with pupils from Larkfield Primary School. Outside the store, there is ample parking for cars, bicycles and electric vehicle chargers. Some of the store’s power is also being captured from solar panels on the roof.
The multi-million pound investment is creating up to 40 new jobs. It follows an announcement that will see Lidl colleagues receive £13 nationally, marking the company’s fifth pay rise in two years.
One of the aisle’s inside the new supermarket
On opening day, shoppers enjoyed complimentary food sampling as well as some special prizes up for grabs.
Stuart Jardine, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “For over two decades, we have been creating Lidl fans across Southport and are delighted to open our doors to our newest store.
“We’re excited to improve access for residents to our affordable and high-quality products, making it even easier for households to save on their weekly shop.
“Thank you to everyone who has played a part in helping to make this store a reality. It’s always an exciting moment when we’re finally able to see our plans come to life and make a difference to local communities.
The new store is on Marine Drive
“It was fantastic to welcome our first customers as we opened the doors to our newest store in Southport this morning. From the buzz when we cut the ribbon, to the smiles in the bakery aisle, it’s been a brilliant start.
“We couldn’t be happier to call this side of Southport home and serve even more of our affordable, high quality products. Thank you to our teams and to everyone who popped in this morning, said hello, and made our new store feel like part of the community here from day one.”
Merseyside shoppers could also see new Lidl stores in two other locations after proposals put forward by the supermarket in recent months.
Not all of Lidl’s plans have yet been fully approved by Liverpool City Council however and the supermarket chain is still awaiting feedback from residents on some of its proposals as is required by law.
However, if Lidl gets its way two new sites could be built in Merseyside with the supermarket hoping to build stores in Croxteth and Wavertree.