First ‘new concept’ Lidl stores in Ireland
Lidl chain launched a ‘new concept’ in Gorey, Co. Wexford, following five and a half months of construction. Representing a multi-million euro investment into the locality by Lidl Ireland, the new site which measures nearly 30,000 square feet and stands at eight metres high – is the largest Lidl store in Ireland and the first of its kind to be built in the country. This latest opening will see the store team grow to 27, bringing the total number of Lidl stores in Ireland to 143 and the number of employees to over 3,800.
Boasting a brand new architectural design and spacious layout incorporating a bigger warehouse, wider aisles by 27cm, as well as improved staff and customer facilities, Lidl says the building represents the future of its stores in Ireland. The innovative, lean orientated design also features high spec operational facilities to maximise efficiency and streamline processes which will allow staff to spend more time in a customer facing role. The new store will also ensure a greater focus on energy efficiency with a reduction of around 40 – 50% on standard electricity costs via features like a SMART lighting system and an energy efficient heating system.
There is also a new expanded bakery and customer toilet and baby changing facilities on the ground floor. The Lidl also has improved storage facilities, including new fruit and veg and meat and poultry chiller chambers to allow for more efficient management of stock.
Niall Murray, regional director, Lidl Ireland, said the new design which will allow the retailer to “streamline [its] processes and enhance the customer shopping experience even further” is “just the beginning for us; we will continue to invest in new stores and modernisations over the coming months and years”.
The retailer said it is committed to working with its growing number of over 180 Irish suppliers to bring the best of fresh, local produce to its network of 143 stores throughout all 26 counties. In 2014, Lidl invested €300 million in sourcing Irish products.
Lidl is a German global discount supermarket chain that operates over 10,000 stores across Europe and employees 315,000 people.
