LIDL'S FIRST STORES IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA EXPECTED TO OPEN IN MARCH 2027

After years of preparations and major investments, German retail giant Lidl is getting closer to opening its first stores in Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to previous announcements, operations are expected to begin in March 2027, although the company has not yet officially confirmed the opening date.

Preparations for Lidl's entry into the Bosnian market are entering their final stage. At some of the already completed locations, work is underway on parking areas and landscaping, while the company continues recruiting employees, establishing its distribution network, and developing partnerships with local producers.

MARCH 2027 AS A POSSIBLE OPENING DATE

The information about the potential opening date was shared by Siniša Šolak, president of the Glamoč Potato Producers Association, following discussions with Lidl representatives about supplying locally produced goods to the future stores.

According to Šolak, company representatives indicated during the meeting that the first Lidl stores were expected to open in March 2027.

MORE THAN 1,000 JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN 21 CITIES

Lidl has launched a major recruitment campaign, advertising more than 1,000 positions across 21 cities and municipalities throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.

These locations include Banjaluka, Laktaši, Gradiška, Doboj, Modriča, Bijeljina, Zvornik, Sarajevo, Mostar, Bihać, Brčko, and several other cities.

Another important part of the preparations is the logistics and distribution center in Lepenica, near Kiseljak, with an estimated investment value of approximately BAM 200 million (around €100 million). The facility will serve as the central distribution hub supplying Lidl stores across the country.

Although many retail locations have already been constructed, the official launch of operations still depends on completing the necessary logistical and organizational preparations.

If the announced timeline is confirmed, the first Lidl stores in Bosnia and Herzegovina could welcome customers in approximately five months, marking the German retailer's official entry into the country's retail market, according to BiznisInfo.