The supermarket giant, which is the fifth-largest in the UK, already has more than 1,000 stores located across the UK.
Earlier this year, Lidl revealed plans to expand its portfolio further with the opening of 19 new stores and the refurbishment of 70 existing supermarkets, creating 640 jobs.
The new openings mark a continued period of rapid growth, as the supermarket chain looks to strengthen its position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing retailers.
Where is Lidl looking to build new stores in Southampton?
Lidl is looking for “quality” locations across the UK so it can build more new stores and continue its “phenomenal growth”.
It has highlighted hundreds of locations across the UK where it wants to build new stores.
This list includes four spots in Southampton:
Bassett
Bitterne
Portswood
Stoneham
No exact addresses have been given for the desired sites in these locations.
Alongside that, it is also looking to build a store in Chandler’s Ford as well as two in Fareham.
Additionally, it would like to relocate the Lidl store in Townhill in Southampton.
You can see the full list of locations where Lidl wants to build new stores in the UK on its website.
What Lidl is looking for in a new store
Lidl has outlined specific requirements it is looking for in new UK stores:
Store size must be 18,000 sq ft + (1,672 m²)
1.5+ acre site
Dedicated car parking required (100+ spaces at ground level)
Population of more than 20,000 people in the catchment area, and 5,000 in the main centre
Freehold, leasehold, or long leasehold properties
Located in a prominent and highly visible area
Lidl opening new Southampton store in autumn 2026
Alongside the proposed new store locations in Southampton, Lidl will be opening up a new supermarket at the West Quay Retail Park.
It is scheduled to open in the autumn of 2026 and will create up to 40 jobs.
The new store is taking on the unit previously occupied by Matalan, with the clothing and homeware retailer relocating to another premises on the retail park in August last year.
James Mitchell, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “We’ve seen demand for our products continue to rise across Southampton and are excited to serve even more communities here.
“Our team has been working hard to deliver the best possible store for households here and we’re sure residents will be delighted to hear we’re a step closer to opening our doors.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us in our journey so far, we can’t wait to welcome you when we’re on track to open this autumn.”
Where would you like to see a new Lidl store in Southampton? Let us know in the comments.