Both Axminster and Seaton have been named by supermarket chain Lidl as 'priority locations' where it would like to open new stores.

The discount supermarket chain currently has 950 stores across England, Scotland and Wales and wants to increase this to 1,100 sites by the end of 2025.

In its latest list of priority locations, released last week, Lidl said it is looking for "prominent locations" with "strong pedestrian or traffic flow" measuring more than 1.5 acres for standalone shops and up to four acres for mixed-use sites.

Axminster was also named as a priority location in last year's list, while Seaton is currently awaiting the opening on rival supermarket Aldi in the former Co-op store.

The update comes after Lidl welcomed a record number of new shoppers to its stores in 2022, as over 1.4 million switched to Lidl from other supermarkets.

As Lidl continues to experience record growth, with Kantar recently naming it the fastest growing supermarket following a rise in sales of nearly 26%, the discounter opened over 50 new stores in 2022 and a further 15 new stores across the country in the last three months.

Ryan McDonnell, Lidl GB CEO, commented: "The last few years have been challenging for everyone, but we've made it clear that we're more committed than ever to ensuring that every single household has access to a Lidl store.

"That's why our focus is firmly on the future as we continue to grow and invest in our infrastructure, while keeping a lookout for more sites and locations across the country.

"We had over 1.4 million new shoppers coming to us from our competitors over the course of last year. This alone shows the potential for continued growth as customers refuse to pay a premium for their shopping, when they know they can get the same, if not better quality at Lidl.

"As we progress further into 2023, we know that more shoppers will make the switch, and whichever of our stores they choose, they know they're getting the best value."

Lidl GB Chief Development Officer, Richard Taylor, added: "Our store expansion has been and continues to be unparalleled. In the last three months alone, we've opened 15 new stores – more than any other retailer, and in 2022 we welcomed customers through the doors of over 50 new stores.

"But we won't be stopping there. Our vision is to have over 1,100 stores in the future, but really there's no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential. What's important is that we take a strategic and sustainable approach to getting there."

Members of the public who know of potential sites are encouraged to check details against Lidl's site requirements and contact the supermarket's property team with further details. 

More information can be found at www.lidl.co.uk/about-us/property