Lidl To Invest €600m In Spain, Targets 300 Stores In Portugal

According to Spanish dailies Expansión and Cinco Días, the German discounter aims to open approximately 50 new stores annually, bringing the total to nearly 800 by the end of the 2026 fiscal year (February 2027).

With more than 700 stores and 14 logistics platforms already in operation, Lidl is currently the third-largest distribution chain in Spain by market share (6.9%).

According to a report by the consultancy PwC, Lidl’s total economic impact in Spain reached €9.2 billion in 2024, representing a 6.5% increase from the previous year.

Last year, Lidl purchased and exported €4.07 billion worth of Spanish products to around 30 countries – a 4% increase and the highest figure in the company’s history.

Over the past eight years, the retailer has exported more than €24 billion worth of Spanish goods.

The company now accounts for 15% of Spain’s total fruit and vegetable shipments abroad, cementing its position as the leading buyer in the sector.

Portuguese Expansion

Across the border in Portugal, Lidl also sees significant room for growth.

The retailer is targeting 300 stores by 2027, with a long-term potential of 360 locations.

Hélder Rocha, general manager of Lidl Portugal, told local daily Expresso that the company invested €160 million in its store network last year, which included 19 new or reopened stores.

According to Rocha, Lidl has contributed over €44 billion to the Portuguese economy since its market entry.

The company currently collaborates with approximately 400 Portuguese suppliers.

Rocha noted that Lidl currently holds an 11.9% market share in Portugal, placing it third behind Continente (Sonae) and Pingo Doce (Jerónimo Martins).

Furthermore, Rocha revealed that Lidl is set to launch online sales for non-food items in 2027, including products such as tools, sporting goods, and toys.