Speaking to Ulster Business, Ryan said, “We plan to expand to over 60 stores. Single-digit market share is a thing of the past; we aim to be the choice for everyone, targeting a 20% market share based on what we offer our customers.”


Currently, Lidl holds just over 9% of the market, trailing behind Tesco, which commands over a third of grocery spending among the major retailers.

Lidl’s latest accounts report sales of £434 million and pre-tax profits of just over £11 million for the year ending February 2023. This figure is expected to approach £500 million in the next accounting period.


“People have been turning to Lidl during the cost of living crisis, with 500,000 customers visiting our stores each week,” Ryan said. “Business performance is strong, although profits are down due to our strategy of being the cheapest and offering good value.”


Lidl currently operates 41 stores, with two more opening this year in Carryduff and on Boucher Road. The company employs 1,300 people directly, a number expected to rise to 1,400 by the end of the business year.