Lidl on the go

SOWERBY BRIDGE – Shoppers in Sowerby Bridge were treated to a surprising new retail experience today, as supermarket giant Lidl appeared to launch a new concept store, "Lidl on the Go," operating from a narrowboat on the canal.

The vessel, painted in the company's distinctive blue and yellow livery, was moored near the town centre, its cabin window converted into a small shopfront stocked with familiar grocery items. Drawing a crowd of curious onlookers was a staff member in a blue apron, cheerfully holding a whiteboard with the message, "Fresh Carp Today!"

"We're just testing the waters, so to speak!" joked the woman holding the sign, who identified herself as the boat's manager. "The 'carp' is just a bit of fun to get people smiling, but we have all the essentials on board – milk, bread, biscuits. It's about bringing convenience right to the towpath."

The concept, a collaboration with the grocery research charity IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution), aims to explore innovative retail formats. The reaction from locals was overwhelmingly positive. "I came down for a walk and saw the yellow and blue boat. I couldn't believe my eyes," said one resident. "It's a fantastic idea. I hope they make it a regular thing."

Whether the floating supermarket will become a permanent fixture on the canal remains to be seen, but for today, "Lidl on the Go" has certainly given the residents of Sowerby Bridge something new to talk about.