Hard Discount On The Islands

Lidl, the famous German hard-discounter, had a plan entering 2 markets in the Mediterranean sea but so far no stores are up and running.

In Cyprus, Lidl was expected to enter the market in early 2006, with the first store probably opening in Limassol’s busy Omonoia area already dubbed the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ of retailers. Amid rumors that the launch is in limbo because the relevant government services are dragging their feet and not granting final permission.

In Malta, Lidl Malta Ltd was registered in May 2005. Its shareholders are Lidl Italia and Lidl Servizzi Immobiliari, both Italian registered companies belonging to the German grocery giant. It is still unclear where the Lidl supermarkets are to be located and how many the company is planning to have.