BUDGET supermarket giant Lidl has confirmed it is planning a second store in Salisbury.
As first reported by your Salisbury & Avon Gazette this week, the chain is set to move in to a newly-altered unit at the Churchill Way West Retail Park, if plans are approved by Wiltshire Council.
The move will see current occupants at the site – Smyths Toys and HomeSense – vacate their premises, the application said.
Lidl said the move for a second store – with one already at Hatches Lane – was “driven by growing local demand for the discounter’s high-quality, affordable products”.
A spokesperson said the proposed store will feature a sales area of 1,453sq m, including a bakery and ‘Middle of Lidl’ aisle.
There will also be customer toilets with baby-changing facilities and ample parking, they said.
“It will also create around 40 new jobs in the area with new starters benefiting from some of the highest pay rates in the sector,” a spokesperson added.
READ MORE: Lidl set for second Salisbury store – with HomeSense and Smyths Toys to ‘vacate’
Meanwhile, people can have their say on the plans via the Wiltshire Council website at Wiltshire.gov.uk, reference PL/2024/09079.
James Mitchell, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “We’re thrilled to announce our plans for a second store in Salisbury.
“The demand for our high-quality, best-value products continues to grow, and we’re eager to make shopping even more convenient for customers, with our new store ideally located to serve residents in the north and west of Salisbury.
“Ensuring the community is involved in the planning process is vital, so we look forward to receiving valuable feedback from residents.”
Lidl GB is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Both Smyths Toys and HomeSense have been approached for comment on future plans in the city.
I think it is appalling that two loved and well established stores are being forced to potentially move due to yet another supermarket. Seems like no consideration for other businesses or more importantly customers for that matter who currently use these stores.
Why can’t Lidl find their own vacant premises or land to build a new store on if they wish so desperately to have a second store in Salisbury!
I will miss HomeSense, I won’t miss Smyths. Lidl is great with good prices and interesting products. A good competition and cheaper alternative to Waitrose. I would definitely shop in the new Lidl a lot, as it is just around the corner from me. Just please, please, sort out the queues at check out. It is usually a nightmare in your other store. Install some self-checkout machines, like every other store. It is not rare to queue 15-20 minutes in your other store. Thanks!
‘A spokesperson said the proposed store will feature a sales area of 1,453sq m, including a bakery and ‘Middle of Lidl’ aisle.’ So exactly the same as the other Lidl……high quality is surely trade description
We love HomeSense where is homesense going then in Salisbury
Lidl in this location will be fantastic.
There are now no dedicated toy shops in Salisbury. There’s part of an entertainer in Tesco and a very expensive toys r us in WHSmiths which doesn’t give many options. No more last minute presents or gifts, no gifts for my son for displaying great behaviour and no more browsing before you buy.
Be good to have one this side of Salisbury!!
So we are losing 2 lovely shops to be replaced by yet another supermarket slap next door to Waitrose. Has Salisbury gone completely mad ! How many supermarkets do we need, and why are you not putting this one in Wilton which is starved of good supermarkets.
I will be very sad to see Homesense go it’s been my go to place for so many things, why are they closing?
I really like Homesense and Smyths, real shame they are going, its the only toy shop in town too. I live near the other Lidl and rarely use it, I’d rather go to Waitrose. So bad news all around.
Wonder how many councillors got a back hander? This is a disgusting thing to do, two very well respected and loved stores going, for another soulless supermarket that no one wants or needs! And right next to waitrose, sure they happy! I have one will never step foot in this new store, and hope people do the same.