THE new Lidl supermarket is finally open and it is officially the biggest in the city.

The store in Droitwich Road, Worcester, opened the doors to its first customers at 8am this morning with managers waiting at the entrance to welcome them.

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Some customers said the new supermarket would become their local store from now on, praising both the bargains on offer and the choice available.

Even before 9am, many of the car parking spaces were filled as people arrived early to browse for bargains, particularly a half-price deal on sun loungers.

It is the third Lidl store in the city, joining the others in Blackpole and Newtown Road. The Droitwich Road store has created 30 new jobs in the area for local people. 

Area manager Rebecca Adams said: "It has been fantastic, really busy and a great atmosphere. This is the biggest Lidl in the area. We're very excited about the opportunity to have another Lidl in the area."

Store manager Basia Dimmock said: "We have had great customer feedback so far. Sun loungers have been selling very well. There's someone right there walking out with one."

Worcester News: WELCOME: Store manager Basia Dimmock (left) and area manager Rebecca Adams were at the entrance to welcome new customers to the new Lidl store. Photo: James ConnellWELCOME: Store manager Basia Dimmock (left) and area manager Rebecca Adams were at the entrance to welcome new customers to the new Lidl store. Photo: James Connell

The 'middle of Lidl' or non-food area was proving popular with customers snapping up electric lawnmowers for £24.99 which are normally around £50.

A counter promoting the Lidl Plus app outside the entrance was also attracting attention from shoppers. 

Worcester News: BEER: Beer and lager inside the entrance to the new Lidl BEER: Beer and lager inside the entrance to the new Lidl

Owen Dew, manning the stand, said the app could be used to get coupons and savings and keep people informed of what offers were on.

"It can tell you where local stores are in your area. There has been real interest from people who want to make savings, especially in the current economic climate," he said.

Worcester News: CHOICE: The large meat aisle at the new Lidl in Droitwich Road, Worcester CHOICE: The large meat aisle at the new Lidl in Droitwich Road, Worcester

The store has a large bakery and a car park with 110 spaces (including for electric cars) including disabled bays and eight parent and child spaces. 

We reported how the car park was being cleaned by a jet washer on the eve of the grand opening. 

Worcester News: STOCKED: The shelves are well stacked for the first customers though the doors of Lidl in Droitwich Road, Worcester STOCKED: The shelves are well stacked for the first customers though the doors of Lidl in Droitwich Road, Worcester

A footpath leads off the main Droitwich Road into the store's car park, giving easy access for pedestrians.

Contractor Benniman Construction moved onto the site, on the car park of JVC Castings, Worcester, in June 2021.

The work has involved demolishing a small underused part of the casting specialists' factory and moving the staff car park to the side to make way for the new supermarket.

The site received planning permission from Worcester City Council in 2020.

The 2,200 square metre supermarket includes self-service checkouts.