Lidl expands investment in Bitola: Foundation stone laid for second store

With a ceremonial groundbreaking, Lidl officially marked the beginning of the construction of its second retail facility in Bitola. While the company’s first store in the city is already in the final stages of construction, with this new project, Bitola becomes one of the key places in the country where Lidl will provide a contemporary and modern shopping experience through multiple retail locations.

This investment represents another significant and concrete step in the realization of Lidl’s long-term strategy for developing its own retail network in North Macedonia. Through parallel investments in multiple locations across the country, the company is building a modern retail and logistics infrastructure in order to make its products and services easily accessible to all consumers.

In her address to the attendees, Katarina Zorikj, Real Estate Director at Lidl North Macedonia, highlighted the company’s business model, which is based on the development of its own facilities built according to the highest international standards.

"We invest in the construction of our own facilities, which means that we build each market from the very beginning, applying strict quality standards and careful planning of all segments of its implementation. Our goal is to create a wide and functional network of stores, with the highest level of quality, energy efficiency and sustainability, as well as solutions that offer a pleasant environment for consumers. We believe that our consumers should also have an offer of the highest quality products at an affordable price that they will buy in facilities where they will have a comfortable and pleasant experience as our customers", says Zorikj. 

The Mayor of Bitola, Toni Konjanovski, stressed that the second Lidl store is a significant investment for the city, which brings benefits to the local economy and consumers, but also confirmation that Bitola is a city in which the company recognizes potential. 

"It is a pleasure that today we mark the official start of the construction of your, and our, Lidl store, the second in Bitola. I say ours because I believe that the people of Bitola are eagerly awaiting the construction and then the opening of the doors of this recognizable brand. This significant investment will be an added value for the Bitola economy, will contribute to the creation of new jobs and will provide a quality offer for consumers, and will also open opportunities for partnerships with domestic companies. Thank you for choosing Bitola for the second time and we are eagerly awaiting you to open the doors for all of us", says Konjanovski.

Basic characteristics of the new store in Bitola:

• Modern construction concept: Construction according to the highest standards for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability on an area of ​​5,288 m².
• Spacious and functional layout: A modernly decorated sales hall of 1,546 m² for a pleasant shopping experience. 
• Accessibility and parking: 108 parking spaces provided for our customers' convenient shopping. 
• Green space: Over 20% of the plot is planned for horticultural landscaping and greenery.

As part of the Schwarz Group, one of Europe's leading food retail chains, Lidl operates around 12,900 stores in 31 countries and employs over 395,000 people.