Lidl's new Basingstoke store: Everything you need to know

It will open its doors for the first time at 8am.

Here is evertyhing you need to know. 

What are the opening times for Lidl, Hatch Warren?

The new Lidl store in Hatch Warren will be opening seven days a week.

Here are the opening times:

Monday: 8am - 10pm

Tuesday: 8am - 10pm

Wednesday: 8am - 10pm

Thursday: 8am - 10pm

Friday: 8am - 10pm

Saturday: 8am - 10pm

Sunday: 10am - 4pm 

What Covid precautions are in place? 

Lidl has reminded customers that as per the government guidance, face coverings in supermarkets are now mandatory in England. 

A spokesman said: "We are operating a range of social distancing measures to help maintain a safe store environment for both colleagues and customers.

"These include clear communication across the store, including floor markings, reminding customers of the importance of maintaining a two-metre distance from each other when shopping, along with regular tannoy announcements.

"Dedicated cleaning stations are also in place at store entrances, including hand sanitiser, disinfectant and wipes, for customers to use on their trolleys and baskets.

"Additionally, the new Basingstoke supermarket has installed protective screens at checkouts and protective visors and masks have been made available for colleagues to wear in accordance with government guidance and is continuing to encourage customers to pay by contactless payment methods where possible."

How many jobs has the new store created? 

Lidl estimates that around 30 new jobs have been created with the opening of the new Hatch Warren branch. 

Is Lidl doing anything for charity? 

A spokesman for the chain said the new Basingstoke branch will provide surplus food and customer donations to a number of charities in Basingstoke.

They said: "Surplus food will be donated to Community Food Link Distribution Project, Nature2Nurture, and May Place House, all of whom aim to provide local families and vulnerable people access to high quality, nutritious food. 

"This is delivered through Lidl’s Feed it Back scheme, which is run in partnership with Neighbourly and connects Lidl stores up and down the country with local charities, foodbanks, community cafes and kitchens, putting quality food surplus to good use every day."

We already have two Lidl supermarkets in Basingstoke, why have they opened a third?

The new supermarket forms part of the company’s ongoing expansion and regeneration plans across Great Britain and has created around 30 new jobs for the local community.

The store will be Lidl’s third store offering in the town with stores also located in Worting Road and Gaston’s Wood.

Lidl GB’s Regional Head of Property, James Mitchell, commented: “We would like to thank all those who have played a part in bringing this new Lidl store to Basingstoke. It is great for us to be able to create further jobs and investment opportunities in the area, and we are proud to serve even more of the local community at this time.”

What can I expect from inside the store? 

The Hatch Warren store is fairly large - as the chain knocked through the former Argos and Dreams stores to create one large retail unit.

What it looked like before

In total, it is a 1,208m² sales area and will also feature facilities including an in-store bakery, customer toilets, eight tills and self-service checkouts with parking located in front of the store.