Lidl Outlines U.S. Expansion Plans

Lidl is being ever-more aggressive as the German-originated retail chain continues its pursuit of growing its presence in the U.S. market.

The company’s plan continues to solidified, now having released supplier application details, qualifications for store sites, and information on how to become an employee.

“Through 10,000 stores in 26 countries, we’ve precisely designed every part of our process to deliver the highest quality products at the lowest possible price and the most efficient shopping experience possible. Now, we’re bringing our unique vision for grocery to the U.S.,” The company says on its newly-revamped website, adding that the company has been growing its presence in the European market for more than 40 years.

Now, to capture the eyes of U.S. suppliers, the retailer has designed a webpage answering questions like:

• Can you send in samples?
• Is a specific certification needed?
• Will products need to be tested?

Through this, Lidl looks to reach deli and other supply companies to stock the U.S. shelves it promises to bring.

Bolstering those promises, the chain’s website also details intentions of opening several stores with an average 36,000-square-feet format, with preferences including:

• Opportunities to purchase lots/pads are preferred
• Minimum 3.5 acres to accommodate a stand-alone store with minimum 150 dedicated car parking spaces
• Signalized, full access intersection with high visibility preferred
• Site positioned in an established retail location
• Dense population area within 3 miles
• Traffic counts of more than 20,000 vehicles per day
• Site zoned for grocery retail use

Currently, Lidl is eyeing locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Delaware, the Carolinas, and Georgia, as well as having a section of the website set up exclusively to hire and hire big. Listed are details of several job fairs lined up for a number of east coast colleges, including:

• University of Virginia
• Florida State University
• University of Texas - Austin
• Alabama’s Auburn University

Not only are these locations convenient stomping grounds for new hires, but many are conveniently located where it already has plans to build stores.

Keep checking in with DeliMarket News as we continue to follow Lidl’s expansion plans for the U.S.