As of now, Lidl does not offer a home delivery service for groceries in the UK. Customers are required to visit physical stores to make their purchases. This approach aligns with Lidl's business model, focusing on cost efficiency and maintaining low prices for consumers.
Is Lidl launching an online grocery delivery service?
Lidl has shown interest in exploring online shopping options. In 2019, the company advertised for a digital project manager to develop a new online platform aimed at increasing online sales. However, as of now, there has been no official launch of an online grocery delivery service in the UK.
When will Lidl offer online shopping?
While Lidl has initiated trials related to online shopping, such as a click-and-collect service for select non-food items via the Lidl Plus app, there is no confirmed timeline for a full-scale online grocery shopping platform in the UK. The company continues to focus on in-store shopping experiences.
The rise of Lidl in the UK
Since opening its first UK store in 1994, Lidl has expanded significantly, operating over 970 stores and 14 regional distribution centres across Britain. The retailer employs more than 31,000 people and maintains a strong market presence by offering high-quality products at competitive prices.
How Lidl online shopping might work
If Lidl were to implement online shopping in the UK, it might follow models used in other countries. For instance, in Ireland, Lidl has partnered with rapid-delivery startups to offer online shopping options. Such a model could involve collaborations with third-party delivery services or the development of a dedicated online platform.
How to purchase goods at Lidl
Currently, the only way to purchase goods from Lidl in the UK is by visiting one of their physical stores. Lidl does not offer home delivery, click-and-collect services, or online stock checking systems. Customers can use the Lidl Plus app to access digital leaflets, special offers, and loyalty rewards, enhancing the in-store shopping experience.
Why Lidl has avoided online grocery delivery (so far)
Lidl’s business model focuses heavily on keeping operational costs low, which directly supports its strategy of offering lower prices than its competitors. Running an online grocery platform, with warehousing, fulfilment, delivery logistics and customer service infrastructure, adds significant cost and complexity. Unlike larger UK supermarkets that have already absorbed those costs, Lidl has chosen to prioritise simplicity and in-store efficiency.
This is also why Lidl’s store layouts are consistent, product ranges are tightly curated, and services like self-scanning and loyalty rewards are only now being slowly rolled out. Everything in their model is designed to minimise waste and maximise turnover — and online delivery has not yet fit comfortably into that structure in the UK.
How Lidl handles non-grocery delivery
Lidl does offer a limited form of online shopping in some countries and for specific products, such as non-food Specialbuys. In parts of Europe, Lidl customers can buy household goods, clothing and garden tools online, including delivery to home. However, this is still not available in the UK. British shoppers must visit a physical store even for non-grocery deals.
Occasionally, Lidl does run limited-time online offers, like vouchers or competitions via its Lidl Plus app, but these are tied to in-store use rather than eCommerce.
The potential for a click-and-collect return
There’s been industry speculation about whether Lidl could introduce click-and-collect before full delivery. This would allow customers to reserve items online and pick them up in-store — a middle ground between full online delivery and in-store-only shopping.
They trialled something similar for Middle of Lidl items in Ireland and via the Lidl Plus app. A wider rollout could happen if Lidl sees that customers want digital convenience but without the full cost of delivery logistics. As of now, however, this remains speculative, and no UK-wide service is in place.
Third-party delivery workarounds
Some third-party services have offered workarounds by sending personal shoppers to Lidl stores and delivering items to customers — similar to how services like Deliveroo or Beelivery have occasionally worked with Aldi. These are not officially endorsed or supported by Lidl, and their availability is very limited.
These third-party offerings can help in certain cities or regions, but they come with higher delivery fees and no guarantee that items will be in stock. They also typically don’t include chilled or frozen products due to food safety restrictions.
What customers are saying
Consumer interest in Lidl delivery continues to grow, especially in areas where online grocery shopping is becoming the norm. However, Lidl customers also tend to value the simplicity and speed of in-store shopping — as well as the treasure-hunt experience of finding surprise bargains in the famous “Middle of Lidl” aisle.
The company seems to be waiting for the right moment to invest in digital retail — if and when it can do so without compromising its price-led identity.
Summary
Lidl does not currently offer home delivery or online grocery shopping services in the UK. While the company has explored online shopping options and initiated limited trials for non-food items, there is no official launch date for a comprehensive online shopping platform. For now, customers can continue to shop in-store and utilise the Lidl Plus app for additional savings and information.