LORD Mayor Councillor Darryn Causby joined Lidl Northern Ireland to celebrate the launch of its very first ‘new concept’ store in Banbridge, Co Down, following five months of construction.
Representing a multi-million pound investment into the locality by the retailer, the state-of-the-art building measures nearly 30,000 square feet and stands at eight metres high.
The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Mayor Councillor Darryn Causby with branch manager Justin Ford
Lidl has 38 stores across Northern Ireland, bringing the number of employees to 730.
Boasting a brand new architectural design and spacious layout incorporating a bigger warehouse, wider aisles, as well as improved staff and customer facilities, the state-of-the-art building represents the future of Lidl stores in Northern Ireland.
The innovative lean orientated design also features high spec operational facilities to maximise efficiency and streamline processes which will allow staff to spend more time in a customer facing role, further improving the customer shopping experience.
The new store will also ensure a greater focus on energy efficiency with a reduction of around 20%-30% on standard electricity costs via features like a SMART lighting system and an energy efficient heating system.
Speaking about the launch of Lidl Northern Ireland’s first ‘new concept’ store in Banbridge, Glen Cinnamon, Regional Director, Lidl Northern Ireland, said: “It is an exciting step for us to launch our inaugural ‘new concept’ store here in Banbridge.
“This state-of-the-art design will allow us to streamline our processes and enhance our customer shopping experience even further while still offering top quality products at market-leading prices.
“And this is just the beginning for us; we will continue to invest in new stores and modernisations over the coming months and years, bringing the best of Northern Irish produce to customers in towns and cities right across the country.”
The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Councillor Darryn Causby, Paul Gibson and Gordon Cruickshanks of Lidl Northern Ireland
Lidl is committed to working with its growing number of local suppliers to bring the best of fresh produce to its network of 38 stores throughout Northern Ireland. In 2014, Lidl invested £85 million in sourcing Northern Irish products. For further information on Lidl, its products, opening hours and any career opportunities please visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk.