German supermarket chain, Lidl, have announced that they will invest 100 million euros over the next three years, to open 11 new stores and modernise five existing ones. They first opened in the Canary Islands in 2010 after overcoming the obstacles imposed by the regional government at the time, and aspire to become the islanders' first choice supermarket.
In 2019, before the pandemic, their market share was 9% and was the third biggest in the islands. "We have grown steadily and continuously," said Luis González Garrido this morning, during a breakfast meeting with journalists, in which he detailed the brand's expansion plans.
Lidl currently has 32 establishments on five islands, they don’t have any supermarkets in El Hierro and La Gomera, and its goal is to reach 43 in 2024. They currently employ 1,120 people, although indirectly employs 3,100 professionals. The new openings will generate at least 300 more jobs.
In the future, Lidl also plans to delve into the sustainability and energy efficiency of its stores. Today it has photovoltaic panels installed in nine stores and the goal is to reach 20 in 2023. These establishments obtain 25% of their energy from clean sources.
In the next few years, Lidl will continue to strengthen its support for local industry with the 'I buy Canarian' seal, and will increase purchases from island suppliers to 50 million euros annually.
Regarding the current situation of high inflation and rising costs, Lidl's objective, according to Garrido, is that the increases "have the least possible impact on the consumer."
He also spoke about the supply of products, and sent a message of calm to Canarian consumers and assured them that there will be no shortage of oil or any other product in Lidl stores. “Stock is arriving every day. Customers must stay calm and consume normally”, he said.
