Lidl's Irish operation saw sales grow by between 25% and 30% during the COVID-19 lockdown period, according to its chief executive JP Scally.
In an interview with The Irish Times, Scally said that Lidl's sales in Ireland are now "well in excess" of €2 billion, however the exact figure, along with its profitability, were not revealed.
Lidl operates more than 200 stores on the island of Ireland, including 40 in Northern Ireland, as well as employing 6,000 staff.
It plans to open another 11 outlets by the end of next year, according to the paper, and is also spending €75 million on a new distribution hub in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, which it expects to open in 2022.
Lockdown Impact
In terms of the impact of the lockdown period on its operations, Scally noted that the business was "too busy at times", with the retail sector deemed an 'essential service' by the Irish government.
He added that 10 Lidl staff members in the Republic of Ireland tested positive for coronavirus, along with a further three in the North, and all were isolated cases.
According to the latest Kantar market share figures, for the 12-week period to 12 July, Lidl boasts a 12.7% market share, putting it ahead of its close rival Aldi (12.3%).
© 2020 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine
