Taunton: When a new Lidl sparked store wars with Tesco

Back in December 2015, it was announced that cut-price supermarket Lidl would open a new store in the town—smack bang opposite its competitor, Tesco.

The new Lidl, located on the site of the former Taunton Youth and Community Centre in Castle Street, was to replace the existing Wood Street store.

The plot had been derelict for several years before being bought by the German-owned discount company for £1.95 million, with £530,000 earmarked for youth projects in Taunton Deane.

Let's get ready to rumble - Photo [NQ]Neither company commented at the time on the potential battle for customers, but members of the public shared their thoughts on the situation.

June Cummings said: "I normally shop in Tesco, but I'll eye up both of them and see which is the best value. I suppose it’s good there’s competition so close."

Sergio Emache added: "I sometimes shop in Tesco and also in Lidl. It’s good to have competition. I’ll shop in Lidl if they've got good deals."

Anita Ennew, however, was less enthusiastic about the new Lidl store, stating: "I shop in Tesco.

"I wish it was Waitrose rather than Lidl coming here. I might possibly give the new store a go though."

James Parsons was also considering a change, saying: "We normally shop in Tesco, but we're thinking of changing to Lidl because it's cheaper and the new store will be really convenient."

The old Lidl - Photo [NQ] The opening of the new Lidl store marked the end of an era for the Wood Street branch, which was demolished to make way for retirement homes.

The new site, just a stone's throw from Tesco, promised to bring a new dynamic to the town's shopping scene.

The £530,000 from the sale of the plot was allocated to youth projects in Taunton Deane, with £250,000 already issued for the Centre for Outdoor Activities and Community Hub (COACH) watersports centre in French Weir Park.