In this instalment, our UK analysts offer their take on some of the market’s latest developments and initiatives. Here’s what you need to know about:

• Lidl GB expands ‘Lidl & Go’ trial to seven stores

• Co-op announces 24-store development programme for Q2

• M&S reveal plans to open its ‘largest-ever’ foodhall this summer

• Morrisons adds cancer health messaging to bath and shower products

• Lidl Ireland pilots click & collect grocery service.

Lidl GB expands ‘Lidl & Go’ trial to seven stores

Its ‘Lidl & Go’ self-scanning trial has been extended to seven additional stores after a successful initial pilot, allowing shoppers to scan items and track spending in real time via the Lidl Plus app. The tool adds to Lidl’s growing digital ecosystem, including new Lidl Plus Points rewards, and aims to make shopping faster and more flexible. Insights from this phase will be used to refine the experience before any wider rollout, while maintaining traditional checkout options.

Insight Partner, Dan Butler’s view:

Shoppers will benefit from enhanced convenience, transparency on spend and greater control, key drivers of satisfaction in modern grocery retail. Lidl’s continued investment in its digital ecosystem will see intensifying competition among retailers to invest in frictionless, app-led shopping experiences, especially as discounters evolve beyond purely price-led propositions. It could also accelerate adoption of self-scanning and loyalty integration across the market, raising expectations for seamless omnichannel experiences and data-driven personalisation.

Co-op announces 24-store development programme for Q2

Major national convenience retailer, Co-op has announced it is investing in 24 store development projects in the second quarter of 2026, taking its total number of development sites to 42 for the first half of the year.  The 24 stores will comprise a mix of company-owned developments and franchise-operated units and include both new openings and refurbishments. A significant number of the new stores will be opened through franchise partnerships in locations such as universities, hospitals and fuel forecourts. To date there are 65 Co-op stores operated by franchisees and the business aims to grow that to 100 by the end of 2026.

Insight Partner, Patrick Mitchell-Fox’s view:

It looks like 2026 will prove a significant one in the development of Co-op’s retail store network, with the impending transfer of Southern Co-op operations likely to be confirmed later this month. This will add some 170 company-owned stores to Co-op’s estate as well as some 76 franchise stores operating under the Welcome fascia. Combined with store numbers at the end of 2025 this would take the total of company-owned stores to over 2,500 and franchise-operated stores to 141.

M&S reveal plans to open its ‘largest-ever’ foodhall this summer

M&S has set its sights on Godalming to be the location for its largest standalone foodhall, planned to open this summer. The store will be located on a former homebase site near the town centre and will be 22,000 sq. ft. This will be the second M&S foodhall located in Surrey, with the Farnham store opening earlier in the year. The new store will feature M&S’ latest fresh market style store layout, featuring its enhanced bakery, dedicated flower shop and plant range, and products from its Select Farm Partners. Advertisements suggest it will also feature hot food counters, offering food-to-go options.

Analyst, Seth Russell’s view:

M&S does not look to be slowing down in its plans to double the size of its food business. This larger store will give M&S space to implement the features of its new store formats that have seen success and popularity across the expanded store estate, and solves problems encountered in the past such as a lack of parking. This move also meets the aim to entice more family shoppers into M&S stores, attempting to make switching gains on local rivals, increasing both footfall and basket sizes.

Morrisons adds cancer health messaging to bath and shower products

Morrisons is adding cancer health messaging to its private label bath and shower products. In partnership with the NHS, the retailer is launching nine new products carrying messaging including “Be body aware” and “Know the signs of cancer” encouraging shoppers to contact their GP if something doesn’t feel right. Morrisons is the first UK grocer to carry cancer awareness messages on bath and shower products as part of an NHS drive to help people spot symptoms early and come forward for checks.

Senior Insight Analyst, Alex Rowberry’s view:

The messaging on bath and shower products on its own is unlikely to boost sales. However, it contributes to a wider health halo that builds incremental credibility for Morrisons in health and wellbeing, an area where shoppers are increasingly expecting retailers to play a more active and visible role.

Lidl Ireland pilots click & collect grocery service

Shoppers in select stores can order via the Lidl Plus app and pick up items from store car parks with a €30 minimum order and €4.99 fee. The offer includes a broad fresh and ambient range, with store staff handling picking while shoppers complete the ‘last mile’ by collecting orders themselves. Fully integrated app-based ordering, payment, and communication signal Lidl’s intent to scale the model across Ireland and potentially internationally.

Insight Partner, Dan Butler’s view:

This enables Lidl to enter e-grocery with a lower-cost model than home delivery, leveraging its store network while improving competitiveness against rivals like Tesco, which is gaining share through online growth. In Ireland, it could help Lidl defend and grow its market share by meeting rising demand for convenience while maintaining its value positioning. If expanded across Europe, the model could accelerate discount-led disruption in online grocery, particularly in markets where profitability concerns have slowed full home delivery adoption.

Looking for more insight?

Subscribers can find out more on our UK market hub.