Lidl finally able to open stores in Malta

German supermarket chain Lidl opened three small supermarkets in Malta last month after an investment of €13.98 million, and much controversy over building permits. Another will open after the summer, and applications have been submitted for two other supermarkets.

Lidl Malta, which has no Maltese shareholders, will fall under the aegis of Lidl Italia. When asked about the issues regarding Lidl's building permits in Malta, Lidl Italia's chief financial officer, Luca Boselli stated that Lidl was not the building contractor but the retail operator, and was not involved in the development permit process.

Boselli said Lidl had carefully studied Maltese purchasing trends and eating habits the supermarkets will be importing Lidl branded products. He maintained that their basic concept was still simplicity, efficiency and low prices.

In 2003, Lidl Italia had lost a court case after a complaint filed by Filcams Cgil, a major Italian union federation, accused Lidl of applying anti-union policies. Upon opening the stores in Malta, Lidl Malta manager David Gatt was asked whether Lidl will be restricting its employees from being unionised. Gatt stated: "We do not discriminate in any way against employees who become members or who are represented by a worker's union.

Lidl denied building permission in Malta

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