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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

Lidl

German discount retailer chain
German discount retailer chain

Lidl, headquartered in Neckarsulm, Germany, operates over 12,000 stores across Europe, the UK, US, and more. It competes with Aldi in various markets.

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1932
Josef Schwarz becomes a partner in Südfrüchte Großhandlung Lidl & Co.

In 1932, Josef Schwarz became a partner in Südfrüchte Großhandlung Lidl & Co., a fruit wholesaler, and he developed the company into a general food wholesaler.

1973
First Lidl store opens in Germany

In 1973, the first Lidl store opened in Germany, employing 3 people and stocking around 500 product lines.

1977
Expansion of Lidl Stores in Germany

By 1977, the number of Lidl stores in Germany had reached 33.

1988
Lidl's entry into the French market

Lidl initiated its foreign expansion by entering the French market in 1988, expanding its presence beyond Germany.

1990
Expansion of Stores in Germany

The company opened 300 stores across Germany, marking a significant expansion in the country.

1994
Lidl enters the UK market

Lidl made its debut in the UK market in 1994, leading to a rapid expansion with over 400 stores currently operating and more in the pipeline.

1996
Opening of the second Regional Distribution Centre in Livingston

In 1996, Lidl GB opened its second Regional Distribution Centre in Livingston, further expanding its operational capacity in the UK. This strategic move allowed for more efficient distribution of products to stores.

1999
First Lidl Northern Ireland Store Opens

The first Lidl store in Northern Ireland opened in 1999. It marked the beginning of Lidl's expansion in the region, eventually leading to the establishment of more than 40 stores and a regional distribution centre in Nutts Corner.

2000
First Lidl Ireland stores opened

In the year 2000, the first Lidl Ireland stores opened, marking the beginning of Lidl's presence in Ireland.

2002
Introduction of balers to Lidl GB's warehouses

In 2002, Lidl GB introduced balers to its warehouses, leading to increased recycling uptake and cost reduction. This initiative demonstrated the company's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

2003
One million customers milestone

In 2003, Lidl GB welcomed one million customers into its stores, reflecting the growing popularity and reach of the brand in the UK market. This achievement highlighted the company's ability to attract and retain a large customer base.

2004
Opening of the first high street store in Edinburgh

Lidl GB opened its first high street store in Edinburgh in 2004, expanding its retail presence in urban areas. This move allowed the company to reach a broader customer demographic and enhance accessibility to its products.

2005
Introduction of daily waste and recycling returns

In 2005, Lidl GB introduced daily waste and recycling returns as part of its sustainability efforts, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint. This initiative demonstrated the company's proactive approach towards environmental conservation.

2008
Lidl accused of spying on workers

In 2008, Lidl faced accusations of spying on their workers, including listening to private phone calls and monitoring their activities outside of work. The company defended these actions as measures to prevent theft and identify suspicious behavior.

2009-10
Launch of Lidl Movies in the UK

In October 2009, Lidl launched 'Lidl Movies' in the UK, providing an online rental service for DVDs. This move aimed to compete with existing services in the market, showcasing Lidl's entry into the entertainment sector.

2010-08-21
Lidl featured in Telegraph

Lidl was featured in a Telegraph article on August 21, 2010, highlighting its impact on the retail industry.

2012-01
Launch of Lidl bakeries in Europe

In January 2012, Lidl introduced bakeries in their stores across Europe, offering freshly baked products like bread and pastries. This initiative aimed to meet customer demand for in-store baked goods.

2014-03
Sven Seidel appointed CEO of Lidl

Sven Seidel was appointed CEO of the company in March 2014, after the previous CEO Karl-Heinz Holland stepped down.

2015-06
Lidl establishes United States headquarters in Arlington, Virginia

In June 2015, Lidl announced the establishment of its United States headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, marking a significant step in its expansion into the U.S. market.

2016-09
Ronny Gottschlich leaves Lidl GB

In September 2016, Ronny Gottschlich, who had run Lidl GB for six years, unexpectedly left the company. He was known for his approach focusing on marketing and public relations, which included providing employee benefits not required by law.

2017-02
Sven Seidel steps down as CEO of Lidl

Seidel stepped down from his position in February 2017 after Manager Magazin reported he had fallen out of favour with Klaus Gehrig, who has headed the Schwarz Group since 2004.

2017-06
Lidl opens first stores in the United States

In June 2017, Lidl opened its first stores in the United States, starting in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and expanding to other mid-Atlantic cities, as part of its strategy to establish a presence on the East Coast.

2018-02-15
Lidl opens 700th store in the UK

Lidl celebrated the opening of its 700th store in the UK on February 15, 2018, marking a significant milestone in its expansion.

2019-05
Lidl US partners with Boxed.com for home delivery service

In May 2019, Lidl US collaborated with Boxed.com to experiment with a home delivery service utilizing the online retailer's technology.

2020-08
Lidl plans to open 50 more stores in the U.S. by end of 2021

In August 2020, Lidl announced its intention to open an additional 50 stores in the U.S. by the end of 2021, demonstrating its commitment to further growth in the American market.

2021-04
Lidl in Ireland offers free pads or tampons to customers

In April 2021, Lidl in Ireland introduced a program where customers could receive coupons for free pads or tampons each month to address period poverty.

2022-04
Lidl postpones expansion in Ukraine due to Russian invasion

In April 2022, Lidl decided to postpone its expansion plans in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict resulting from the 2022 Russian invasion, reflecting the company's response to geopolitical events.

2022-10
Lidl faces 'chicken scandal' accusations

In October 2022, animal welfare NGOs in Europe accused Lidl of a 'chicken scandal' after investigations revealed severe welfare issues at Lidl supplier farms in Germany, Spain, Italy, and Austria. The footage showed sick and injured chickens living in poor conditions, leading to calls for Lidl to adopt higher welfare standards.

2023-03
Lidl sponsors the 2023 World Cycling Championship in Scotland

In March 2023, Lidl was announced as the sponsor of the 2023 World Cycling Championship held in Scotland.

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Lidl
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