Shoppers are counting down the days to getting Purbeck’s first budget supermarket, as Lidl has set an opening date for its new store in Sandford, Dorset.
Final touches are underway on the long awaited 1,400 square metre supermarket before it opens the doors to customers on Thursday 12th February 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
There’s a week to go before opening day and plenty of jobs still to finish off
Grand opening
Checkout tills and freezers are currently being installed, parking bays have been painted and landscaping is well under way, although more turf needs to be laid on the green roof, and further electric vehicle chargers need to be installed.
But by the week beginning Monday 9th February 2026, shelves will start to be stocked in preparation for the grand opening three days later.
Lidl bosses are hoping that the official launch just before Valentine’s Day – as revealed by Swanage.News at the end of 2025 – will lead to a bumper weekend of sales to get the new store off to a super start.
Although there were many objections over a controversial planning process lasting several years from those concerned about increased traffic congestion, and a loss of trade in Wareham town centre, there were thousands who came out in support for the scheme.
A Lidl superfan at the official opening of the 999th store, in Southport
Special prizes up for grabs
One of the largest responses ever to a Dorset planning consultation heard back from nearly 5,000 locals, with more than 75 percent in favour of the new Lidl store who welcomed a budget supermarket on a bus route, finally bringing cheaper prices and more choice to Purbeck families.
Innovative features of the new store include solar panels on the turf roof, electric vehicle charging points, larger freezers to offer a greater range of products and which use natural refrigerants.
Smart lighting systems have also been installed which reduce electricity use, helping to lower the environmental impact as Lidl aims to become a net zero company by 2050.
The store will officially be opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony with Wareham Mayor Zoe Gover, the chair of Wareham St Martin Parish Council John Williamson and students from Sandford St Martins Primary School.
Lidl has also promised that the opening day will feature complimentary food sampling, as well as some special prizes up for grabs for first-day shoppers.
Electric vehicle charging points are being installed in the Lidl car park at Sandford
“Starting as we mean to go on”
Richard Taylor, chief real estate officer at Lidl, said:
“We opened our 1,000th store at East Grinstead at the end of November 2025, then on Tuesday 13th January 2026 we announced we would open another 19 stores in just eight weeks as part of our continued expansion across the country – and Sandford is part of that.
“We’re starting the new year as we mean to go on, with a major investment that reinforces our commitment to delivering the best experience for customers and creating a positive impact for the communities we serve.
“We are delighted to be joining the local community in Sandford with our first ever store in Purbeck, and with this push, we’re set on winning more shoppers across the nation and claiming an even bigger share of the market.
“Lidl Sandford will deliver these fair and responsible practices in your local community, and ensure that food which is good for producers, people and the planet is accessible for everyone.”
Turf is laid as landscaping steps up along the Sandford road
“Sandford will benefit from day one”
Richard Taylor added:
“Providing customers with quality affordable food, supporting local suppliers and communities, and creating new jobs has never been as important.
“Social responsibility and sustainability are at the core of the company’s daily operations, as Lidl places a strong emphasis on its responsibility for people, society, and the environment.
“We are passionate about working with British producers, and we source two thirds of our products from British suppliers.
“Our investments build on what we describe as the Lidl effect, where the benefits of our growth extend beyond the shop floor and into the communities we serve.
“New stores like Sandford will benefit from our community investments from day one, through our surplus food donation scheme, Feed it Back – last year, we provided 18.5 million meals, to nearly 7 million people across Britain.”
Cranes first appeared on the Lidl building site back in August 2025
“We have created 40 new, local jobs”
James Mitchell, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said:
“We are thrilled to officially open our fantastic new Sandford store, a direct response to local demand for high quality, affordable groceries, and we couldn’t be prouder to welcome the community inside.
“The level of support from Purbeck has been remarkable, and it reinforces our commitment to ensuring that everyone, wherever they live, has access to high quality food at the best possible prices.
“A new Lidl store in Sandford is now just a week away from opening and will be hugely beneficial to those who live and work within the area.
“We have created 40 new, local jobs, we are bringing investment to Purbeck and also ensuring some local residents don’t have to make a 34-mile round trip for discount prices.
“We still have big ambitions for expansion, and plan to open hundreds more Lidl stores in the future. Our teams are constantly looking for new sites, in towns where we don’t currently have stores.
“A huge thank you to everyone in Purbeck who has supported us in our journey so far, we can’t wait to welcome you all through our doors and start making a real difference to your weekly shop!”
Now the opening date for Purbeck’s first budget supermarket has been set
Further details
- Lidl offers, opening times and even its famous middle aisle bargains are on its website
