SUPERMARKET giant Lidl has targeted Knutsford as it looks to increase the number of its stores in Cheshire - and you could get paid for helping them.

The German retailer has published its latest list of priority locations and, should it achieve its objectives, it will see its UK stores rise from 950 to 1,100, with 28 planned for Cheshire alone. 

Supermarket bosses have also promised a finder’s fee to anyone, including members of the public, who successfully identify a site for the new stores.

Other Cheshire locations include Alderley Edge, Handforth, Holmes Chapel and Wilmslow.  

This comes after Lidl saw a 26 per cent rise in sales in 2022, as over 1.4 million people switched to Lidl to offset soaring food inflation.  

Ryan McDonnell, Lidl GB CEO, said: “The last few years have been challenging for everyone, but we’ve made it clear that we’re more committed than ever to ensuring that every single household has access to a Lidl store.

“That’s why our focus is firmly on the future as we continue to grow and invest in our infrastructure, while keeping a lookout for more sites and locations across the country.”

The finder’s fees on offer are of either 1.5 per cent of the total land value if they buy it, or 10 per cent of the first year’s rent if the site is leased.

Locations should be between 0.8 and four acres, have easy access for pedestrians, and space for a car park is a must.

Lidl GB chief development officer, Richard Taylor, added: “In the last three months alone, we’ve opened 15 new stores – more than any other retailer - and in 2022 we welcomed customers through the doors of over 50 new stores.

“But we won’t be stopping there.

“Our vision is to have more than 1,100 stores in the future, but really there’s no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential.

“What’s important is that we take a strategic and sustainable approach to getting there.”