Lidl on track to open stores in Sliema, Burmarrad

Discount supermarket chain Lidl has said it is planning to open two new stores in Sliema and Burmarrad in the next few months.

The stores were purchased from competitor Scotts Supermarket, in a deal that was first announced last year.

However, Lidl was forced to scrap plans to buy a third Scotts outlet in Zabbar, after the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) objected on the grounds that it would lead to "a substantial
lessening of competition" in the area.

A spokesperson for Lidl confirmed that the process of acquisition of the two buildings belonging to Scotts was in progress.

"Currently the rebranding of the buildings is underway with the aim of opening their doors to the public as soon as possible. Lidl’s Sliema store is scheduled for opening the next month," the spokesperson said.

Lidl are also looking to open another outlet in Qormi, on the site occupied by the former General Soft Drinks factory along Mdina road and Triq il-Vitorja.

And in August last year, the supermarket chain was given the green light by the Planning Authority to start work on an outlet on the outskirts of Zebbug, which includes ground-level parking for 252 vehicles.

Lidl first arrived in Malta in 2008, when the first outlet opened in Sta Venera.