Lidl Hungary pushes for 55 new stores, calls for end of plaza‑stop rule

Lidl operates 220 stores across Hungary and is seeking locations for 55 additional outlets, including sites in Budapest and towns such as Tiszakécske, Gyömrő and Mogyoród. The retailer says the current "plaza‑stop" regulation, which limits the opening of new retail premises, is a major obstacle to its expansion and urges the government to repeal or revise the rule.

Lidl also wants the removal of the price‑margin stop and relief from a special tax it paid last year (60 billion forint), arguing that these measures would increase competition and benefit consumers. Board chair Zita Szlavkovics highlighted that the same regulatory barrier would affect rival Kaufland, also part of the Schwarz Group, should it attempt to enter the Hungarian market.

The company stresses that complying with existing parameters is possible, but the recent focus of the regulation on retail alone is disproportionate and hampers growth.