Lidl, which operates approximately 10,000 stores in 27 countries throughout Europe, said it will open its first U.S. locations on June 15. The retailer said it plans to open 20 stores this summer, and by the summer of 2018 it intends to open as many as 100 locations across the East coast.
“We are excited to open our first stores in the United States in a few short weeks,” said Brendan Proctor, president and chief executive officer of Lidl US. “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.”
Lidl, which is part of the German-based Schwarz Gruppe, established its U.S. headquarters in Arlington in 2015 and during the past two years has set up regional headquarters and distribution centers in Spotsylvania County, Va.; Alamance County, N.C.; and Cecil County, Md.
The 20 stores opening this summer include 9 locations in North Carolina, 9 locations in Virginia, and 2 locations in South Carolina.
The stores will feature a bakery located at the entrance of each store with fresh baked bread and pastries, as well as a variety of organic and gluten-free items, including organic fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and packaged food items.