With over 10,000 stores across Europe and the United States, Lidl was founded in 1930 by Dieter Schwarz. A place to get upscale food and other household necessities, Lidl recently announced further expansion into the U.S. market with the the acquisition of 27 Best Market stores. I personally was very impressed with its Nürnberger Lebkuchen — imported Bavarian specialty cookies that are a Christmas treat similar to gingerbread — as launched in time for the 2018 holiday season.
To learn more about Lidl’s past, present and future, I sent some questions to its American corporate office.
More on all things Lidl can be found online at www.lidl.com.
Lidl is a global staple yet relatively new to the United States. How would you describe Lidl to someone who has not yet been to one of the stores?
Lidl is an easy to shop, 6-aisle grocery store. We offer 90 percent private label products, which allows us to ensure top quality and low prices. Not only can you get fresh produce, bakery items, meats and seafood, but you’re also able to purchase a number of non-food items, such as cooking appliances, clothing and mechanical tools, depending on the week.
Lidl recently purchased the Best Yet chain, which means expansion onto Long Island. Has the company done business on Long Island before this?
We currently operate 61 stores across 8 East Coast states from Georgia up to New Jersey. We just opened our first store in Pennsylvania and are looking forward to moving into new states in the future. We opened a store in Staten Island as well, and the store’s grand opening took place on December 12th.
Will the American stores of Lidl be run the same way as its stores in Europe? Or will Lidl’s American stores have more localized aspects?
Lidl’s U.S. stores were created with American customers in mind. The majority of our offerings are products of the U.S. and we are always taking feedback from our customers as to what products they want and how they like to shop.
What does 2019 look like for Lidl?
Lidl is excited to continue its U.S. expansion and be able to offer more and more to customers along the East Coast, always delivering high-quality products at the lowest possible prices.
Finally, what are some of your favorite Lidl products?
Our bakery items in store are a can’t-miss product. One of our team’s favorite picks are our croissants. A typical croissant contains around 11 percent butter content, more high-end versions come in at around 17 percent, and Lidl’s authentic French croissants have about 24 percent butter content — a testament to the high quality that Lidl brings to the table.
