Lidl's new distribution centre in Roosendaal has been ready for months, but remains unused for the time being. The opening of the e-fulfilment centre has been postponed for a year because the supermarket chain wants to focus on developing its online platform first.
This is what Lidl spokesperson Christine Braun tells BN de Stem. The 56,000-square-metre building was built for Lidl's fulfilment of European online orders. The distribution centre was initially scheduled to open in 2018. However, a year after completion, the building stands unused.
The supermarket chain did spend the past few months recruiting staff for the DC, which should accommodate 1,200 employees. However, in mid-October, these candidates were told that their jobs were off for now as Lidl suspended the opening.
Lidl acknowledges to BN de Stem that the opening of the distribution centre will be postponed for a year. "Our international organisation has decided to first further develop the online platform before commissioning this distribution centre. Extra time is needed for that," the spokesperson said.
The supermarket chain says it regrets the decision for employees who wanted to start work in Roosendaal, "Our international organisation has therefore done everything possible to accommodate them as much as possible." Compensation for affected employees would be worked on.
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