Lidl has invested more than €420 million in the Slovak Republic, the retailer said in a statement marking the 10th anniversary of its presence in Slovakia.
During its 10-year operation in the Slovak Republic, the retailer has created a network of 123 stores and two logistic centres in the towns of Nemšová and Prešov. In the next five years, Lidl plans to invest an additional €100 million, opening new outlets and reconstructing existing ones. Investment activities will include modernisation of 13 stores.
Commenting on the share of Slovak products offered in local stores, Lidl Slovakia CEO Stanislav Čajka said quality was more important than country of origin. “Regarding Slovak products we have long been guided by one principle that says: The country of origin is not the decisive factor. The determining factor is quality, adequate pricing and especially the ability of the supplier to provide the required quantity,” Čajka told the TASR news agency. According to a recent survey, 16.4 per cent of the goods on Lidl’s shelves have been made in Slovakia. One of Lidl’s biggest local competitors, Tesco Stores Slovakia keeps this ratio at 49 per cent.
Initially opening 14 stores, Lidl entered the local market in September 2004, now the company has over 3,200 employees in the Slovak Republic.
