Lidl set to offer cash reward for help with finding new store sites

LIDL is offering a cash reward to local residents who help identify sites for new stores in Dundee city centre and Broughty Ferry.

The discount supermarket chain is investing £1.3 billion in its expansion across the UK.

It is offering a finder’s fee – which could be up to £22,500 – to members of the public who successfully identify suitable sites for new Lidl stores.

Lidl’s chief development officer Richard Taylor said: “We’re opening an average of one new store a week, which is incredible.

“But there are still communities up and down the country that are telling us how much they want – and need – a Lidl store.

“We work with some of the best people in the industry to identify new sites. We also know how engaged our future and existing customers are and we want to build on this.”

The finder’s fee is either 1.5% of the total freehold purchase price or 10% of the first year’s rent for leaseholds.

That would equate to £22,500 for a completed £1.5 million site purchase.

Anyone who knows of potential sites should check details against Lidl’s requirements before contacting the supermarket’s property team.

Mr Taylor added: “Our finder’s fees are available to absolutely anyone that can identify a viable option for a new store that we’re not already aware of.”

Since January, Lidl has opened 23 new UK stores, including in Blairgowrie.

In March 2022 it became the sixth largest supermarket in the UK.

Lidl’s supermarket rival Aldi was involved in a battle over its planned new store on the outskirts of Broughty Ferry.

Dundee City Council initially rejected the retailer’s proposal for the site at Tom Johnston Road at West Pitkerro Industrial Estate because the threehectare site had been reserved for industrial rather than retail use.

Concerns had also been raised that the store would drive customers away from Broughty Ferry shops.

However, two years ago, Aldi’s appeal was upheld by the Scottish Government, who overturned the council’s decision.

The supermarket chain wants to open new stores.