Lidl‘s Czech Sales Approach 90 Billion Crowns as Expansion Cools
Lidl Czech Republic is nearing 90 billion crowns in annual sales, solidifying its position as a dominant force in the nation’s retail landscape. However,the pace of new store openings is slowing,signaling a potential shift in the discount retailer’s growth strategy.
While Lidl doesn’t disclose separate e-commerce revenue, estimates suggest its online sales could reach 6.5 billion crowns, placing it among the largest online retailers in the Czech Republic alongside established players like Alza, notino, and Datart. This growth comes despite Lidl not offering food through its e-shop, a strategy diverging from some competitors. The company’s overall impact on the Czech economy is considerable, contributing nearly 50 billion crowns to the state budget in 2024 – equivalent to 0.62 percent of the Czech Republic’s GDP.
Lidl embarked on online sales before the Covid-19 pandemic, and sources familiar with the company indicate rapid revenue growth in the digital space. A former Lidl employee revealed that e-shop revenues quickly climbed to 5 billion crowns.
The German-owned discount chain, part of the schwarz Gruppe, operates over 12,000 stores across thirty countries and employs almost 400,000 people globally. Its worldwide sales volume surpasses the entire Czech Republic’s annual sales. PwC recently calculated Lidl’s total contribution to the Czech state budget, factoring in direct and indirect impacts through suppliers, external companies, and employee spending.
