Lidl opens new Paignton store, creating 40 jobs

Lidl has officially opened its new supermarket on Kings Ash Road, Paignton.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at 7am on Thursday 19 June, led by Torbay’s newly appointed civic mayor, Barbara Lewis. She was joined by her consort, Chris Lewis, and local councillor Jackie Thomas.

The launch marked the beginning of a grand opening weekend, which included complimentary food sampling and opportunities to win prizes.

Mayor Lewis said: “I was joined by my consort Chris Lewis and local Cllr Jackie Thomas when I was asked to officially open the new Lidl store at Kings Ash. People were queuing at 6.45am for the opening at 7am. I walked around the store and was amazed at the magical middle aisle! I wish the store every success. I'm sure it will attract a lot of residents and tourists.”

The store is open from 7am to 10pm Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays. It offers Lidl’s full range of affordable products, with features including an in-store bakery, customer toilets with baby-changing facilities, and parking for both cars and bicycles.

The multi-million-pound development has created around 40 new jobs, with Lidl stating that staff will receive some of the highest hourly wages in the retail sector.

Rosie Meehan, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, said: “We’ve been creating Lidl fans across Paignton for over three decades and are delighted to mark this with the opening of our newest store on Kings Ash Road. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in helping to make this store a reality. It’s always an exciting moment when we’re finally able to see our plans come to life and make a difference to local communities.”

The retailer is also inviting nearby primary schools to join its Lidl Foodies Programme—a nationwide initiative designed to encourage healthy eating in children through free educational resources. Schools can sign up via the National Schools Partnership website.

One Facebook user shared their enthusiasm for the store’s location, commenting: “The view coming out of the new Lidl is amazing—looking over the whole of the Bay.”