Lindt Strengthens UK Retail Strategy With New Store At Cotswolds Designer Outlet
Lindt & Sprüngli (Lindt) continues to enhance its presence in the UK chocolate market with the opening of a new store at the Cotswolds Designer Outlet, opening this week. This development represents a strategic addition to Lindt’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) retail footprint and follows the recent debut of its flagship store in London in March 2025.
The UK remains a priority growth market for Lindt, where the brand holds over 10% of the total chocolate confectionery market—ranking just behind the category leader. Lindt has established itself as the dominant force in the premium segment, where it leads among brands in the top price quartile. The company also maintains category leadership in dark chocolate, with nearly a fifth of the market, and is a frontrunner in boxed chocolates, capturing more than a tenth of the segment.
Notably, Lindt’s continued investment comes at a time of broader headwinds in the global chocolate industry, including rising input costs, shifting consumer behaviors, and operational pressures. Despite these challenges, Lindt has not only expanded in the UK but has simultaneously opened two new retail stores in New Zealand—an international growth signal that stands in contrast to competitor activity. For example, Irish premium chocolatier Butlers Chocolates has recently ceased their physical retail store operations in New Zealand, underscoring the resilience and momentum of Lindt’s retail strategy.
The Cotswolds opening further reinforces Lindt’s multi-channel retail strategy, particularly in the DTC space, where it is recognized as a leading player. This brick-and-mortar investment complements ongoing innovation across Lindt’s UK product portfolio. Recent launches include the Lindor 70% Dark Chocolate Truffles, the Lindt GOLD BUNNY Chocolate Bar, and the Lindor Raspberries & Cream Cornet. In April 2025, Lindt expanded its Les Grandes range with a new Fruit & Nut bar, following a series of exclusive Easter offerings introduced in March.
The new Cotswolds Designer Outlet location underscores Lindt’s commitment to growing its direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel, where it is among the top players by share of channel sales, and thereby supporting Lindt’s broader ambition to drive growth in a highly competitive UK chocolate market.