I am a big fan of the simple grocery stores that cut prices by being smarter than the competition. That is why when Lidl came to our area, I was excited to check out this low coat grocery store chain that has been making big noise in the money saver circles.
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How Does Lidl Work?
Lidl is a discount grocery store that cuts prices by offering limited choices of products.
For the most part, you will feel like you are shopping as usual, but in a smaller store.
Unlike traditional grocery stores, there will be only one choice for most products, the Lidl brand.
For some items, you will have two choices, an organic and non-organic option.
How Lidl Keeps Prices Low
Every Lidl store’s goal is efficiency, and these efficiencies allow them to keep prices lower than most competitors.
Products
As we mentioned above, there is a limited number of products in the Lidl store. By stocking almost only private label products, they can fiercely negotiate the costs and cut out any middle man price increases.
Their products are also displayed in the boxes they are shipped, cutting down on the amount of time to stock shelves and saving space by not having large in-store displays.
Employees
Lidl employees are required to help run the entire store. Instead of having a set of cashiers, stockers, and other vital tasks, all employees can do these tasks.
This saves the store money because they can hire fewer employees while paying each employee more and still offer excellent service.
It is common to see a person stocking shelves come up and check out customers when the line gets too long, then go back to stocking when the line is gone.
Energy Saving
Lidl stores are about 20,000 square feet, which is about one quarter the size of most grocery stores in the United States.
Along with utilizing natural light to cust energy costs, the store size allows each store to save energy and not have that cost show up in their groceries’ price.
Advertising
Lidl stays away from expensive national advertising campaigns. Instead, they focus on local advertising through print and radio spots.
Things You Should Know about Lidl
While Lidl will be a significant divergence from the traditional American grocery stores, there are a few things that you may not be expecting from a discount grocer.
Fresh Bakery
One place where I felt that Lidl sets itself apart is its fresh bakery. Most other discount stores opt not to have this option.
Non-Grocery Section
Lidl has a total of six aisles in their stores. One section is dedicated to items that are not groceries.
I like to call this area the treasure hunt aisle because you can find discounts on all sorts of items in this section, and the items change each week.
Get the App
The MyLidl app provides extra savings through coupons and sales. They also have a rewards program where you earn points for hitting specific spending goals.
Shop the Weekend
Lidl brings out “super deals” on the weekends, which can be almost anything in the store.
I have seen salmon at $3 a pound and microfiber robes for $8.
Company Information
Lidl opened their first store in 1973 in Ludwigshafen, Germany. They now have 11,200 stores in 32 different countries.
Lidl started in the United States in 2015 and has more than 100 stores in nine east coast states. Their USA contact information is:
Lidl US Headquarters
3500 S Clark St.
Arlington, VA 22202
(844) 747-5435
Lidl FAQs
How do you pronounce Lidl?
Lidl is pronounced the same way you would say “needle”. I am as guilty as anyone for mispronouncing this one.
Is Lidl the Same as Aldi?
Lidl is a direct competitor with Aldi both in the United States and Europe. The companies are run in similar ways, but Aldi stores are a little smaller.
When you compare Aldi vs. Lidl, you will find that Aldi runs on an even simpler model than Lidl.
Why is Lidl so Cheap?
Lidl does a fantastic job of reducing its costs across all its operations. These cost savings are passed on to the customer and keep us coming back for more.
Where is Lidl Meat From?
Lidl sources all their meats in the USA. One way the company cuts costs is by making sure to source close to their stores, cutting down on shipping.
Pros
- Low prices
- Smaller stores are easy to navigate and save time
- MyLidl rewards program
- Weekend sales
- Deals on non-grocery items
Cons
- Limited store availability
- May not have all the product you want
Lidl Alternatives
Aldi
It feels like Aldi and Lidl are continually being compared, no matter where you go in the western world. The main advantage to Aldi is that they have been in the states longer and have many more stores.
Walmart
Walmart is the largest grocer in the United States and has reasonable prices across its stores. Walmart’s advantages include stores everywhere and more availability of
Publix
Publix is a much more expensive grocery store in the Southeastern USA, but they do a great job with their sales. Known for buy one get on free deals, you can do very well shopping at Publix with coupons.
Final Thoughts on Lidl
Lidl has established itself as a market disrupter and one of the cheapest grocery stores across the world. They have a proven record of coming into new countries and doing a great job of establishing themselves as a market leader.
If you have a Lidl in your area, you should check them out to see if their low prices can keep you coming back for more.
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