Secrets of shopping at Lidl: why New Yorkers love the German budget supermarket

Lidl is the German discount grocery store that's taking New York City by storm. What is special about it and what you need to know before going shopping there, he told Thekitchn.

Family company Lidl opened in Ludwigshafen, Germany, in 1973 with just three employees. Since then, the company has grown to more than 11 stores, and in 000 it reached the states. There are now more than 2017 stores in the eastern United States. It should be noted that although Lidl shares strategies with Aldi (products sold in boxes rather than on shelves, optimized inventory control) and both companies were founded in Germany, they are different businesses - in fact, they are competitors.

It was recently announced that a new 2 square meter Lidl store will open in downtown Brooklyn in 800. In addition, in 2025, Lidl entered into the two largest lease agreements for retail space in Brooklyn for markets that will open in Crown Heights and Park Slope.

Other Lidl stores are planned to open in Chelsea, Glen Oaks, Fresh Meadows and the Terminal Market shopping center in the Bronx. Just last week, Lidl opened a new location in Elmhurst, joining the chain's existing stores in Harlem, Astoria and Staten Island.

1. Cozy atmosphere

The minimalist aesthetic, clean, efficient aisles and European touches bring to mind four-letter stores like Aldi and IKEA. Sunny yellow signage, high ceilings and faux brick give the space a bright and cheerful feel. Lidl is organized in a clean and intuitive way: a circular display goes from grocery to pantry, baked goods, household goods, ending with the dairy and frozen departments. Grab a cute, oversized blue bin and follow the route to discover great deals around every corner.

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2. Enchanting bakery with fresh baked goods

The bakery is located strategically - right at the entrance. As soon as you enter its doors, the store greets you with the aroma of fresh European pastries and bread in the air. The automatic bread slicer cuts fresh loaves to your liking. Small Portuguese egg custard tarts (pastéis de nata) are sold in boxes of six. And sugar-glazed donuts, soft pretzels and buns are ready to eat straight from the oven: just take a piping bag, open the drawer and choose your favorites.

But the real heroes, responsible for the irresistible aroma permeating the entire room, were Lidl's signature croissants. These perfectly curved beauties with the most tender filling and crispy crust are served warm. A true taste of continental Europe.

3. Weekly, easy-to-see offers

Lidl's promise to cut prices on quality products seems especially useful at a time when grocery prices are rising. Every aisle has eye-catching yellow “This Week's Deals” signs: organic eggs, acai liqueurs and, of course, German sausages are all heavily discounted.

There are many discounted Lidl brand products in the store. Often, when placing an order, sellers will give coupons for $10 off your next purchase. Another difference between the stores: Unlike Aldi, Lidl issues coupons.

4. Focus on sustainable development

Lidl prides itself on offering organic and organic, non-GMO products.

Benefits include responsible production, organic proteins and other organic products, including fair trade coffee and chocolate and True-Source certified honey. In addition, the store labels the origin of many of its products, including ripe red tomatoes, orchard fresh apples, seafood and meats.

The store has many vegan and kosher products. And the guarantee “Lidl, Love It!” makes it easy to return an item for any reason. Lidl, among other things, has a “bring your own bag” policy, partners with the How2Recycle program and includes a Save Water label on its products, which gives customers advice on how to reduce their water consumption at home.

5. Priority is given to private label products

While you'll likely find familiar brands at Lidl, private label products make up about 80% of their range. These branded products are carefully tested by Lidl experts for taste, quality and feel. Some of them are comically similar to familiar national brands.

Carefully selected products belong to the Preferred Selection, Gelatelli and Favorina lines. And although the stores are smaller than traditional grocery stores, selecting specific products to a high standard helps reduce costs, which is immediately reflected in prices for customers.

6. Special New Products on Wednesdays

Every Wednesday, Lidl releases a new variety of products in a dedicated section of the store dedicated to kitchenware, clothing and a random assortment of fun and useful finds.

Why not buy a three-tier drying rack, a gaming headset or Spider-Man socks along with low-priced groceries and two-for-one canned goods? The assortment often includes kitchen gadgets and household goods. In addition to these unique offerings, there is a beauty and health department offering discounts, as well as a pharmacy, cleaning products, pet food, premium pet toys and more.

7. The beer selection is worthy of a toast.

The selection of beer in the stores is stunning. According to Lidl's website, some even sell wine (depending on state laws) hand-selected by Lidl sommelier and "Master of Wine" Adam LaPierre.

8. Great prices on spices and seasonings

Lidl's range isn't comprehensive, but the prices on key products are unbeatable. The store has a variety of herbs, spices and sauces. Huy Fong Sriracha is much cheaper than some local markets, so feel free to add this jar to your grocery cart.

9. Guaranteed freshness in the flower department

A bright bouquet will brighten up any occasion, and the Lidl flower market is full of variety to decorate your table or surprise your sweetheart. A dozen long-stem roses at a cheekily low price - why not treat yourself? The Vase Life Freshness Guarantee (up to 10 days of freshness) ensures long-lasting enjoyment. In addition, there are many indoor plants, bulbs and seeds.

10. It is possible to order free delivery

Good news: Lidl delivers. If you don't want to go shopping, or your busy schedule doesn't allow you to shop, or you're just used to ordering online, you can join Lidl's free myLidl membership program and enjoy free shipping on orders over $35 through Shipt. The croissants may not arrive as warm as they would in the store, but a few minutes in the oven and your home will smell as delicious as the Lidl bakery they recently arrived from.