A new Lidl has opened in Sheffield city centre, on the site of the former Sports Direct on High Street.

The shop opened last Thursday 23 February at 8am, and long queues were seen snaking around the store as budget shoppers were eager to see what was in the new supermarket. 

The new store features several isles stocked with food, including fruits and vegetables, a bakery section, and “Middle of Lidl” section that sells miscellaneous household and leisure goods.

Prior to the new store opening, the supermarket said in a statement: “The modern store in the heart of the city will create around 40 jobs for the local community and new starters will be amongst the highest paid in the supermarket sector following the discounter’s wage increases last October. The store features the supermarket’s famous in-store bakery.

“The store, which will be open from 8am-10pm on Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday, will give those living in the area access to Lidl’s high quality, best value products.”

Sheffield city centre’s new store is the eighth Lidl to open within the Sheffield area. The others are in Malin Bridge, Darnall, Stocksbridge, Woodseats, Southey Green, Castlebeck, and Chapeltown. 

Proposals for a new Lidl on Rotherham Road in Handsworth have been approved, but development is yet to commence more than a year after planning permission was given – The Star reports. 

The new shop may serve as competition to other city centre supermarkets including Sainsbury’s on The Moor, Tesco in Upperthorpe, and Aldi on St Mary’s Gate. 

Sheffield Wire spoke to customers outside the newly opened Lidl about their shopping experience in the city centre budget supermarket.