An exciting event has taken place in Omagh to mark the grand opening of the revamped Lidl store at James Street.

Work was completed on an extensive seven-month construction project, which modernised and expanded the store to more than double its original size.

Located at the busy junction of Dromore Road and James Street in the heart of Omagh, the newly revamped 'Concept' store promises shoppers a dramatically enhanced in-store experience, with a spacious sales floor and expanded product line as well as larger bakery and improved customer facilities.

Occupying a site of 8,029 sq. metres – including an expansive sales floor of 1,420 sq. metres – the expanded store has created an additional 15 permanent new retail positions, supported a further 200 jobs during the construction and development phase, and provides shoppers with a significantly larger floorspace to shop a wider range of quality products.

Built with sustainability in mind, the high tech store also encompasses energy efficient lighting and two EV charger spaces within its newly landscaped 95-space car park, enabling customers to charge their electric vehicles whilst they shop.

Local country music stars Cliona Hagan and Barry Kirwan were in attendance at the grand opening to launch the new-look store.

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Cliona Hagan, from Ballinderry in Co Tyrone, said: "I'm delighted to be here this morning to launch the brand-new Lidl Northern Ireland store in my home county and have a chat with the long line of customers who turned up for the store opening. No matter where I perform in the world, I always say that nothing quite lives up to the atmosphere when performing to a home crowd. It was great to get the chance to meet and greet local fans who have supported me throughout my music career whilst celebrating a very positive day for the town. As a Lidl shopper myself, it's brilliant to have this modern new – not to mention massive – store now open and I wish the local Lidl team every success."

Barry Kirwan, a former Lidl Omagh employee now turned local music legend, commented: "During the pandemic when music gigs were cancelled, like everyone else I still had bills to pay and a family to support, so I got a job in my local Lidl Northern Ireland. I have been really enjoying my time there, and as I am from Omagh myself, being part of the team in the store on James Street has been great as I get to see faces I recognise each day.

"I have been busy working in the new Omagh store to get it ready for the official opening, so to see everything come together, be part of the launch celebrations, and have the chance this morning to perform for the lovely customers I've met while working in Lidl Northern Ireland has been a great privilege. I couldn't be happier to be back doing what I love – it's funny how things come around full circle!"

Sarah Law, Manager of the Lidl Northern Ireland Omagh store added: "I'm delighted to unveil Omagh's new-look Lidl Northern Ireland store and welcome shoppers to enjoy the new facilities. We are proud that the new store provides a modern, state-of-the-art shopping experience, and our Big on Quality, Lidl on Price offering that resonates so well with our customers, old and new. It also gives us great pleasure to welcome 15 new staff members to our team to serve this local and thriving community and we look forward to meeting even more customers as they come through our doors to shop high quality products at market-leading value over the coming weeks."