German Grocer Lidl Will Enter U.S. This Summer

ARLINGTON, Va. — German grocer Lidl will be entering the U.S retail marketplace this year, and has big plans for its stateside presence.

Lidl has been operating in the European grocery marketplace for more than 40 years, with 10,000 stores in 27 countries. The aim of the German hard-discounter chain is to deliver high-quality products at low prices, while providing an efficient shopping experience. 

By the end of 2017, Lidl expects to have 100 stores in operation in the United States, opening 20 over the summer months in Mid-Atlantic states such as Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, reported The Washington Post. The remaining 80 U.S. locations that Lidl plans to open this year will be situated along the East Coast. 

Headquartered in Virginia's Arlington County, Lidl’s U.S. operation has high expectations for steady expansion. Boston-based research firm Kantar Retail predicts that Lidl will generate $8.8 billion in U.S. sales and reach 630 locations by 2023, opening 100 U.S. stores annually.

Click here to see the full story from Convenience Store News sister publication Progressive Grocer.