A career a Lidl less ordinary.
Job Search Login Bookmarks

Our history

Search & Apply
Our History Hero 2

Our history

The first Lidl GB store opened its doors in 1994 and 28 years later, we now have more than 960 stores and 14 regional distribution centres across Britain, employing over 31,000 people.

We take great pride in providing our customers with the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices and work closely with our suppliers to make this possible. We're also passionate about sourcing locally where possible and more than two thirds of our products are sourced from British suppliers.

When you’re growing as fast as us, you need exceptional colleagues across the UK working together to drive our rapid expansion. No matter your role, you can make your mark as part of our success story. We’re always looking for motivated people who are ready to join us in making our stores, products and shopping experience better than ever.

Find out more about our history below, and why there's never been a better time to apply for a career a Lidl less ordinary.

Lidl GB's history

Lidl products

1994 - 1999

We opened our first ever Regional Distribution Centre in Lutterworth and our first ten British stores in 1994, selling only 800 products in our stores. In 1996, we opened our second Regional Distribution Centre in Livingston, quickly followed by our next one in Weston Super Mare. We moved into our Head Office in one building in Wimbledon in 1999 and started selling meat and poultry.

Lidl Warehouse

2000 - 2005

In 2000, we opened our Runcorn Regional Distribution Centre, quickly followed by our next one in Belvedere in 2001. We introduced bailers in our warehouses in 2002 to increase recycling and reduce costs and in 2003, we welcomed 1 million customers into our stores. In 2004, we opened our first high street store in Edinburgh and our Regional Distribution Centre in Bridgend. In 2005, we introduced daily waste and recycling returns, reducing our carbon footprint.

Lidl stores

2006 – 2010

In 2006, we introduced the PWC (Personnel Welfare Consultant) role showing our commitment to employee welfare and in 2007, we implemented new energy saving technology. In 2008 we launched our deluxe brand and we opened our Regional Distribution Centre in Newton Aycliffe. In 2009 we opened our 500th store, increased our employee holiday allowance by two days and in 2010 we introduced half price weekends.

Big on Quality

2011 – 2015

In 2011, we introduced our first bakeries as well as employee long service awards. In 2012, we held the Lidl Olympics and we introduced ‘pick by voice’ in our warehouses. In 2013, we launched our first Christmas Surprises campaign, the Team Lidl Rewards scheme and introduced a sabbatical scheme. In 2014, we introduced healthy checkouts, released the employee discount card and opened our Northfleet Regional Distribution Centre. In 2015, we opened our Regional Distribution Centre in Southampton.

Lidl colleagues at work

2016 - 2020

In 2016, we introduced our Training Academy and in 2017, we opened distribution centres in Exeter and Wednesbury, and started our partnership with the NSPCC. In 2018, we opened our Avonmouth Regional Distribution Centre, introduced bags for life in stores and launched our Too Good to Waste initiative. We opened distribution centres in Doncaster and Motherwell in 2019. We also introduced the Get Fresh initiative, and celebrated our 25 year anniversary!

Consumer

Apply for a career a Lidl less ordinary

Search our current opportunities now!

Job search