Lidl has invested £7 million opening its first store in south Belfast, creating 40 jobs.
The German supermarket chain developed a new outlet on the Boucher Road, next to the Olympia Leisure Centre and Windsor Park.
The new store was officially opened on Thursday by Olympic gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan.
It marks the retailer’s 10th store in greater Belfast, taking the regional workface to 1,300 in the north.
Lidl’s northern boss Ivan Ryan said: “This has been a highly anticipated project and we knew we would have a lot of interest in the new store, but we’ve been blown away by the number of customers visiting us this morning, and the positive response from both new and existing Lidl shoppers.
“The opening of Boucher Road – our 42nd store in the region – reflects our commitment to creating new jobs and investment across the region. Realising this new store has been a priority for Lidl Northern Ireland and I’d like to thank local residents and businesses for their ongoing support and for the warm welcome they have given us this morning.”
Speaking at the opening event on Thursday, Rhys McClenaghan said: “It’s been an incredible morning, meeting the crowds of people who have come along to join us in celebrating the opening of the first Lidl store in South Belfast.
“As Lidl Northern Ireland has supported me along my journey to Olympic success, I am proud to be here supporting the Boucher Road team this morning, as they welcome new and existing shoppers to this impressive new store.”
