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It comes as the multinational chain looks to diversify its revenue streams.
08:18, Wed, Apr 15, 2026 Updated: 08:20, Wed, Apr 15, 2026
It remains unclear which markets will be targeted first (Image: Getty)
Lidl is set to move into the mobile phone sector with plans to launch in several new markets later this year. The supermarket giant is reportedly looking to diversify its revenue streams and is preparing to expand its existing presence in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
The company has not confirmed which markets will be targeted first, with reports suggesting that the UK, France, Spain and the US are all under consideration. The plans will be rolled out via Lidl Plus, the supermarket’s app-based loyalty scheme, which now boasts more than 100 million users. Lidl’s parent company, Schwarz Group, has partnered with communications firm 1GLOBAL to launch the service.
Lidl already has a presence in Germany and Austria (Image: Getty)
The agreement will see Lidl operate as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), using existing telecoms infrastructure rather than building its own network.
The move puts Lidl alongside a growing number of non-traditional players entering the telecoms market to deepen customer engagement and expand their offering.
Fintech firms such as Revolut, Klarna and N26 have already made similar moves, while Monzo was reported last year to be considering its own entry.
Under the deal, Schwarz Group will also acquire a 9.9% stake in 1GLOBAL, which holds telecoms licences and partnerships in 12 countries.
The launch is the latest sign of Schwarz’s broader push into digital services.
But it's not just the technology ecospace that's expanding. Lidl has announced plans to open more than 50 new stores in the next 12 months - creating 2,000 jobs in the process.
It comes as part of a £600million investment plan. Some of the locations where new sites will open include Abbots Langley near Watford, Warrington in Cheshire, and Thornbury in Gloucestershire. The supermarket has more than 1,000 stores across Britain, employing more than 35,000 workers.
These are all set to open this summer. Lidl is targeting new freehold, leasehold and long leasehold properties across Great Britain.
Ryan McDonnell, chief executive of Lidl GB, said: "As we grow, we want to positively impact our British communities. We're not just opening doors, we’re unlocking regional growth.
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"Our expansion translates directly into high-quality jobs and gives British suppliers the certainty they need to invest in the future. Above all, it advances our social purpose of making affordable, healthy food accessible to everyone."
Employment minister Kate Dearden said: "This kind of investment is exactly what we want to see from big employers – creating thousands of good jobs that pay fair wages and boost the standard of living in communities across the country."
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