Where Lidl wants to open six new stores in south Essex LIDL has released a list of places in the UK where it wants to build new stores, and a number of them are in south Essex. The supermarket chain says it wants to "continue our phenomenal growth" and "double our portfolio", which currently boasts more than 800 sites across the UK. It has outlined the type of sites it is interested in developing and urged people to contact them regarding any possible leasehold deals that might be available. Lidl is interested in building new, standalone stores, as well as converting existing buildings and developing sites on retail parks.