Thatcham potential location for new Lidl store

Budget supermarket Lidl has expressed interest in opening a store in Thatcham.

The chain, which already owns 950 sites in the UK, is looking for new locations that fit its standard store format requirements.

It is looking at the West Berkshire town as a potential new site.

Lidl says it is big on expansion, with plans to achieve over 1,100 stores across the country.

The firm is offering a ‘healthy’ finders’ fee of either 1.5 per cent for freeholds or 10 per cent of the first year’s rent for leased sites to anyone, including members of the public, who successfully locate an area for a new store.

A Lidl was opened in Tadley in December last year after being turned down by West Berkshire Council.

Tilehurst has also been earmarked for another store.

Ryan McDonnell, Lidl GB’s CEO, said: “The last few years have been challenging for everyone, but we’ve made it clear that we’re more committed than ever to ensuring that every single household has access to a Lidl store.

“Our focus is firmly on the future as we continue to grow and invest in our infrastructure, while keeping a lookout for more sites and locations across the country.”