Lidl opens Bristol Broadmead store today

German retailer, Lidl welcomed eager customers to its latest store based in the former H&M building, on Union Street.

Several shoppers gathered outside the store before its doors officially opened at 7am, this morning.

Work on the site began in January 2021 but faced delays when the original contractor, Hartry Global, entered administration before Soldi Construction took over at the start of 2022.

Lidl’s regional head of property told Bristol World the store’s bakery was going down a treat with the early birds.

Glen Stidever said: “There was a small queue of around 10 people outside at 7am, it was early but a few students and others have bought a croissant from the bakery.

“It has been a steady stream of people ever since. Feedback has been very positive so far, the bakery does seem to be the most popular bit so far with students filling their bags with pastries.”

Cheaper prices in the city centre

Mr Stidever hopes the German brand’s lower prices will entice customers during the cost of living crisis.

“I think it will (perform well), there are plenty of people living in the centre who only have convenience prices set by our competitors nearby.

“Rather than people driving outside the city centre to do their shopping they can now come and shop daily with us and find cheaper prices.

“The cost of living crisis is affecting us all, I can’t understand why people would go elsewhere to spend more money when you can save so much here.”

Job opportunities

The supermarket has been expected to create 40 more job opportunities in the centre with vacancies still open.

Mr Stidever added: “We are still recruiting and will continue to do so depending on the store’s success over the next few days.

“We are advertising jobs for all of our Bristol stores, there are plenty of flexible vacancies ranging from five-40 hours per week.”

The store opens 7am - 10pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am - 4pm on Sunday.