Budget supermarket chain Lidl is enlisting the help of the public to scout locations for potential new stores. With over 1,000 areas identified for potential branch openings across the UK, from Scotland to Cornwall and Wales to Northern Ireland, Lidl is seeking assistance from shoppers despite having its own property teams and agents nationwide.

As an incentive, Lidl is offering a finder’s fee to individuals who successfully pinpoint undiscovered sites that lead to new store developments. The fee amounts to 1.5% of the purchased freehold value or 10% of the initial year’s rent for leasehold properties. In 2022, reports indicated that the finder’s fee could reach £22,500 for identifying a £1.5 million freehold site acquired by Lidl.

When questioned about the success of individuals in obtaining such substantial rewards, Lidl refrained from disclosing specific details due to the sensitivity of commercial arrangements. While Lidl has a substantial list of potential new store sites and plans to relocate existing branches, immediate openings are unlikely.

Part of the Schwarz retail group, Lidl already operates over 1,000 stores in the UK and plans to add more than 50 stores within the next year as part of a £600 million expansion initiative. The supermarket’s site requirements brochure outlines various locations across different regions, emphasizing its commitment to expanding its presence and offering quality products at affordable prices to communities nationwide.

Richard Taylor, Lidl GB’s chief real estate officer, expressed the supermarket’s dedication to expanding its reach and providing job opportunities, supporting local suppliers, and contributing to community causes through its store openings. In challenging times, Lidl aims to continue serving customers and communities with reliable and affordable products.