ARLINGTON, Va. – One of the world’s largest retailers is getting ready to open its first of 20 stores in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
This week, European grocer Lidl announced its first U.S. store will open on Thursday, June 15, in Virginia. With 20 stores planned to open this summer, by next summer Lidl says it will open 100 stores across the East Coast, creating a total of 5,000 U.S. jobs.
"We are excited to open our first stores in the United States in a few short weeks," said Brendan Proctor, president and CEO of Lidl U.S. "Lidl is grocery shopping refreshed, retooled and rethought to make life better for all our customers. From our selection of sustainable products, like our certified fresh and frozen seafood, to top-quality wines from around the world available at market-beating prices, our team puts extra effort and attention into each product we put on our shelves. When customers shop at Lidl, they will experience less complexity, lower prices, better choices and greater confidence."
A press release notes that Lidl will offer a simple and efficient approach to grocery retailing, where shoppers can expect goods and groceries at up to 50% less than other supermarkets in the United States. They can also expect the following:
- Easy-to-shop layouts: All Lidl stores opening this summer will be newly constructed facilities, featuring a manageable, easy-to-shop layout of 20,000 square feet with only six aisles.
- Fresh baked goods: Breads and pastries will be baked fresh throughout the day. A bakery will be located at the entrance of each store.
- Healthy, sustainable choices: Lidl is committed to offering a wide range of healthy and sustainable options. All fresh and frozen seafood in Lidl's assortment will be certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council, Best Aquaculture Practices or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. Lidl's private-label products will not have certified synthetic colors, trans fats or added MSG.
- Organic and gluten free options: Lidl will carry a variety of organic and gluten-free items including organic fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and packaged food items, available at the lowest possible prices.
About 90% of the groceries available at Lidl will be exclusive brand products. The retailer also offers a changing selection of non-food products each week that will be in stores for a limited time, such as fitness gear, small kitchen appliances, toys and outdoor furniture, among other non-food items.
Lidl operates about 10,000 stores in 27 countries throughout Europe. Lidl first established its U.S. headquarters in Arlington County, Virginia, in June 2015. Since then, it has announced regional headquarters and distribution centers in Spotsylvania County, Virginia; Alamance County, North Carolina and Cecil County, Maryland.