Lidl Store on Fair City Set Removed from Google Maps After Confusion

A Lidl store featured in the fictional television series *Fair City* has been removed from Google Maps due to confusion over its existence. The situation came to light when RTÉ’s Economics & Public Affairs Editor, David Murphy, reported that a customer attempted to shop at the store, unaware it was not a real location.

The Lidl store, which is part of a set constructed on RTÉ’s Donnybrook campus, was built as part of a three-year product placement agreement between Lidl and RTÉ. This deal, confirmed by RTÉ Commercial Director Gavin Deans, represents the largest broadcast product placement agreement in the history of Irish television.

Confusion Surrounding the Faux Store

The store, designed to look identical to a typical Lidl, includes various realistic features such as a Deposit Return Machine, an in-store bakery, and a staff welfare area. Despite its convincing appearance, the store is not open to the public and is intended solely for the show’s narrative.

Construction on the faux store commenced in March 2023. It will introduce a fictional store manager named Renee as part of upcoming plotlines. Characters in *Fair City* will interact with the store, creating a backdrop for their daily lives in the fictional town of Carrigstown.

Earlier in the week, a woman approached the set, believing she could shop at the Lidl store. David Murphy recounted the incident, stating, “I met a lady outside RTÉ trying to get in to do her shopping in the Lidl on the Fair City set this evening. It’s listed on Google Maps. I gave her directions to Tesco.”

Following the confusion, the Lidl store was removed from Google Maps on Wednesday, ensuring that no further customers would mistakenly attempt to shop at the fictional location.

Impact of the Product Placement Agreement

The collaboration between Lidl and RTÉ marks a significant milestone in product placement within the Irish media landscape. As the largest deal of its kind, it highlights the increasing trend of integrating real-world brands into fictional narratives, engaging audiences in new ways.

While the faux Lidl store is not operational, its realistic design has clearly captured the attention of viewers, demonstrating the impact of visual storytelling in modern television. Extra.ie has reached out to Google Ireland for further comments on the removal.

As the series progresses, viewers can expect to see more interactions with the store, which will become a part of the fabric of Carrigstown, albeit remaining a fictional establishment.