The long-anticipated entry of Lidl into the Montenegrin market has been a topic of discussion for several years, with the company already acquiring land in various cities across Montenegro. The first store is expected to open in Zeta, specifically in the Mahala area, and will cover an area exceeding 2,500 square meters.

The chief state architect has approved the conceptual design for Lidl’s facility, which will be constructed within this municipality.

According to documents from the studio optimusproject, the site comprises multiple plots totaling nearly 9,000 square meters, currently undergoing changes to the Mahala Detailed Urban Plan (DUP). Accessibility to the site will be provided via the Adriatic highway connecting Petrovac and Podgorica, as well as a planned road on the opposite side of the property, as reported by eKapija.

The conceptual design of the sales and storage facility is aligned with Lidl’s overarching operational model, embodying a standardized retail space tailored to local conditions and regulations. The company’s policy ensures that store branches maintain a consistent layout similar to those found in other countries with Lidl locations.

The structure is designed to fulfill its intended purpose as a sales-storage facility. All functions are situated on the ground floor, including entrances, sales area, cash registers, cold storage, warehouses, delivery zones, employee facilities, restrooms, an office, a server room, and areas designated for video surveillance and technical purposes. Additionally, a gallery has been included for air chamber installations.

Mihailo Asanović, the president of the municipality of Zeta, revealed last year that Lidl acquired the land to establish a retail facility and logistics center in the area. It is also known that Lidl intends to open a market in a location referred to as “white field,” with the relevant urban-technical conditions already approved for this venture.

So far, Lidl has purchased several plots in Montenegro, including a 13,200-square-meter site in Podgorica that was formerly part of the Radoje Dakić factory and another 14,000-square-meter parcel behind the RTCG building.

Earlier reports indicate Lidl’s interest in three potential locations in Nikšić. The company, Roaming Montenegro Lidl, acquired a former administrative building of the bauxite mine, and plans are in place to acquire land within the Solar City complex, with the gymnasium courtyard identified as another possible site. In late 2023, Lidl also secured land in Berane.