Cliona Hagan and Barry Kirwan open newly expanded Lidl Northern Ireland store at James Street in Omagh
Thursday 13 October 2022: Local music legends Cliona Hagan and Barry Kirwan brought a bit of country to the grand opening of the new-look Lidl Northern Ireland store at James Street, Omagh, which opened its doors today following an extensive seven month construction project to modernise and dramatically expand the store to more than double its original size.
Located at the busy junction of Dromore Road and James Street in the heart of Omagh, the newly revamped ‘Concept’ store promises shoppers a dramatically enhanced in-store experience, with a spacious sales floor and expanded product line as well as larger bakery and improved customer facilities.
Occupying a site of 8,029 sq. metres – including an expansive sales floor of 1,420 sq. metres – the expanded store has created an additional 15 permanent new retail positions, supported a further 200 jobs during the construction and development phase, and provides shoppers with a significantly larger floorspace to shop a wider range of quality products at unbeatable value.
Built with sustainability in mind, the high tech store also encompasses energy efficient lighting and two EV charger spaces within its newly landscaped 95-space car park, enabling customers to charge their electric vehicles whilst they shop.
Shoppers and fans came out in their droves to visit the new Lidl store for their chance to meet the country stars who were on hand to entertain crowds and welcome the first customers through the doors.
Internationally acclaimed country singer Cliona Hagan, hailing from Ballinderry in Co. Tyrone, said:
“I’m delighted to be here this morning to launch the brand-new Lidl Northern Ireland store in my home county and have a chat with the long line of customers who turned up for the store opening. No matter where I perform in the world, I always say that nothing quite lives up to the atmosphere when performing to a home crowd. It was great to get the chance to meet and greet local fans who have supported me throughout my music career whilst celebrating a very positive day for the town. As a Lidl shopper myself, it’s brilliant to have this modern new – not to mention massive – store now open and I wish the local Lidl team every success.”
Also on hand to welcome shoppers was Omagh’s very own country music legend, and former Lidl Northern Ireland Omagh store employee, Barry Kirwan.
Speaking at the launch, Barry Kirwan said:
“During the pandemic when music gigs were cancelled, like everyone else I still had bills to pay and a family to support, so I got a job in my local Lidl Northern Ireland. I have been really enjoying my time there, and as I am from Omagh myself, being part of the team in the store on James Street has been great as I get to see faces I recognise each day.
“I have been busy working in the new Omagh store to get it ready for the official opening, so to see everything come together, be part of the launch celebrations, and have the chance this morning to perform for the lovely customers I’ve met while working in Lidl Northern Ireland has been a great privilege. I couldn’t be happier to be back doing what I love – it’s funny how things come around full circle!”
Sarah Law, Manager of the Lidl Northern Ireland Omagh store said:
“I’m delighted to unveil Omagh’s new-look Lidl Northern Ireland store and welcome shoppers to enjoy the new facilities. We are proud that the new store provides a modern, state-of-the-art shopping experience, and our Big on Quality, Lidl on Price offering that resonates so well with our customers, old and new. It also gives us great pleasure to welcome 15 new staff members to our team to serve this local and thriving community and we look forward to meeting even more customers as they come through our doors to shop high quality products at market-leading value over the coming weeks.”
The announcement is the latest move by Lidl Northern Ireland to invest in the region and grow its presence locally.
Last year, the retailer confirmed an investment of more than £26 million into the Northwest region, with two new stores tipped for development at Strabane Shopping Centre in County Tyrone and Crescent Link shopping centre in Derry-Londonderry.
In 2020, Lidl Northern Ireland confirmed a £32 million investment into developing five stores within the Greater Belfast region, with brand new stores opened at Holywood Exchange in 2020, at Hillview Retail Park on Crumlin Road last year and at Castlereagh Road and Shore Road earlier this year. Plans are also in place for Lidl’s first store in south Belfast at Boucher Road.
Recognised for the second year running as a Top Employer for 2022 by the Top Employers’ Institute, Lidl Northern Ireland employs more than 1,300 staff across its 41-strong store network and Regional Distribution Centre in Nutt’s Corner, Co. Antrim.
Lidl Northern Ireland was awarded Retail Company of the Year at the Business Eye Awards 2021 and named “Sustainability Team of the Year” at the 2022 Green Awards.
For more information visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk
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