Lidl stores create 19 jobs in latest boost

The new stores are part of a wider, ambitious investment programme designed to futureproof its presence in the two towns.

The new, expanded and enhanced stores replace older buildings in both locations, on Main Street, Limavady and Meetinghouse Road, Ballymoney and are designed to offer its growing customer base an improved shopping experience. A total number of 19 new jobs have been created; 10 in Limavady and 9 in Ballymoney.

The new stores are bright and airy with a spacious interior layout, high ceilings and wide aisles creating a comfortable shopping experience for customers. Expanded car park spaces are provided on site, including reserved spaces for families and disabled shoppers.

A welcome feature of the modern new builds is an expanded bakery section, welcoming shoppers daily with the smell of freshly baked breads and pastries, one of Lidl’s most popular ranges. A Lidl to Go coffee machine is also available.

The new stores have been built with sustainability in mind and both incorporate a range of environmentally friendly features including an ISO 50001 certified Energy Management System and electric vehicle charger spaces, enabling customers to charge their electric vehicles for free whilst they shop.

Lidl Northern Ireland continues to lead the way in the area of sustainability through its responsible sourcing from over 50 local suppliers and its protection of the environment through decreased climate impact and continuous improvements in resource efficiency.

Niall Harrigan, Limavady Store Manager commented on the opening of the new Limavady store; “We’ve been a steady presence in Limavady since we first opened back in 2000. This investment by Lidl has been welcomed warmly by the community and we have had many excited customers eagerly enquiring about the new building over the past few months, so we are thrilled to finally be opening the doors to our new home. On behalf of the team I want to thank our loyal customers for their patience during the construction works. We are thrilled to be able to give our loyal customers in Limavady this amazing new shopping experience and look forward to continuing to serve the local community.”

Lidl Northern Ireland operates 39 stores across Northern Ireland. Since 2008, Lidl Northern Ireland has invested around £8 million each year to enhance its service provision and expand its presence in the region. Last year, that figure was almost £13 million.

The rebuild and refurbishment of the stores is part of a multi-million-pound investment by Lidl to support its expansion and new store programme.

In 2019, Lidl Northern Ireland confirmed plans for a new supermarket at Holywood Exchange and at Newry’s Buttercrane Shopping Centre, while plans for new stores in Newtownards, Newcastle, Castlereagh and at High Street Mall in Portadown are also progressing.

Last year, Lidl Northern Ireland revealed that it contributes around £180 million a year to the local economy, sustaining 3,500 jobs while buying and exporting as much as £290 million worth of local goods.

For further information on Lidl Northern Ireland, products, opening hours and career opportunities please visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk.