Lidl grows from seven stores to 121 in first decade here
Saturday July 31 2010
LIDL Ireland's 10th birthday celebrations have allowed it to showcase a decade of notable achievement in the Irish retail market.
Having started in July 2000 with seven stores, the retailing giant now has 121 outlets in the Republic, plus 35 in the North. Staff numbers have grown consistently, with 2,800 employees in the 26 counties alone.
Back in 2000, corporate social responsibility (CSR) was a little-known concept but Lidl Ireland, along with many leading Irish and international companies, now commits considerable resources to meeting its CSR commitments both locally and nationally.
The company runs a 'learn as you earn' Retail Management Degree Programme in conjunction with Dublin Business School.
This allows students to spend half their time in college and the other half gaining in-store practical experience.
Lidl also runs the fourth largest retail page on Facebook, with almost 10,000 followers after just four weeks.
- Ian Barrett
Irish Independent
