Two things happened when Lidl first announced it’s coming to the U.S. back in 2016 with news that it will be offering prices up to 50 percent less than competitors.
Number one: American shoppers got excited.
Number two: Established U.S. supermarkets got scared.
At the time, grocery retailers and this includes big names like Wal-Mart had already begun cutting prices to maximize profits and increase market share in an attempt to bridge the profit gap with already established low-price German supermarket Aldi and other industry rivals.
The fact that the number of Americans who spend most of their grocery budget at (preferably) one discount grocery store (such as Aldi) is increasing regularly keeps U.S. grocery retailers on their toes now that Lidl confirmed the opening date for its first stores is June 15.
With Lidl’s grand opening, two things are set to happen if the German discount retailer proves successful.
Number one: Americans to shop cheaper.
Number two: Established supermarkets to experience financial losses.
Whatever the outcome in the long run, the real winners here are the consumers who, starting Thursday, June 15, will have access to deep discounts on groceries but also other types of merchandise that include furniture, clothes and appliances.
Details about Lidl’s grand opening and other
Lidl stores will be open 8am to 9pm Monday through Sunday. Each store opening June 15 will hold a ribbon cutting celebration at 7:40 am. Part of the celebration will be limited-time deals and special offers in addition to regular offers. These will include Fresh 5 specials Thursdays and Mondays with a selection of fruits, vegetables and meats deeply discounted.
Every Thursday, Lidl will also be offering new themed specials.
A Heidi Klum collection of clothes designed exclusively for Lidl will be selling across locations.
Games, fun activities and other surprises will continue at each store throughout the 4-day grand opening celebration.
Easy-to-shop stores as part of the company’s business model
Lidl said it is looking forward to introduce customers “to a totally unique shopping experience unlike anything else in the market,” referring to the low prices on branded food, the private label offerings which will account for 90 percent of the merchandise, as well as to the design of the stores.
Lidl supermarkets, those opening June 15 and after, will be 20,000 square feet and are designed to provide convenient shopping.
They have only six aisles, a build which reduces the complexity of shopping and provides more space, feature better food choices including organic and gluten free, and sell highest quality products at lowest possible prices.
Lidl says it will offer locally sourced products, fine wines and high-end coffee and it promises a good selection of fresh products every day.
From practical layouts to carefully selected items
The layout of Lidl stores isn’t the only thing practical about the company. Lidl’s business model will include small-size staff to run the stores and a more limited selection but a much better one compared to the conventional at existing supermarkets, says the company.
Stores will feature a bakery at the entrance and will sell a variety of merchandise. According to the retailer, the first stores will carry a smaller assortment of products, but Lidl will be adding to the selection later on.
There will be an assortment of fresh meats and certified sustainable seafood every day, however the stores won’t have a butcher counter or standby butcher.
Also featuring in each store will be a non-food section with promotional prices for items ranging from sports apparel and casual clothing to kitchen appliances, grooming utensils, garden equipment and other categories.
Check out the first Lidl Weekly Ad and the following ones on igroceryads.com.
Lidl is intent on offering quality over quantity, thus making it highly unlikely that the choice to invest less in customer service will upset shoppers.
Furthermore, it promises to tailor offerings to local communities, and the residents in communities where Lidl is set to open first have already been assured that they will get to choose only between the best whether it’s Lidl’s private label offerings or branded products.