The Lidls are coming: German grocer aggressively expands in Philadelphia region with 3 new markets

The discount grocer Lidl is opening three new markets in the Philadelphia region next month as it proceeds with its plan for rapid expansion on the East Coast.

The Germany-based chain operates about 10,500 supermarkets in 29 countries. Last year, it opened stores in Folsom, Delaware County, as well as Easton and York., Pa., and Vineland, N.J.

On Wednesday, Lidl will launch its fourth Pennsylvania grocery on the 1800 block of Ridge Pike in Royersford, Montgomery County. That opening will be followed by a new South Jersey outpost on Sept. 10 on Route 9 in Lacey Township, Ocean County, and a planting of a fifth Keystone State operation on Sept. 18 on the 2600 block of Ridge Pike in Trooper, also in Montgomery County.

“We’re getting great feedback from shoppers in the area, and are looking to get closer to people," said Lidl spokesman William Harwood. “This is the start of our expansion in the Philadelphia area. We hope to have one open in the city proper next year.”

In a May 2019 release, the chain said it was planning an additional site in Philadelphia on East Butler Street in the Port Richmond neighborhood. Previously, Lidl said it was looking at locations in South Philadelphia, Ridley Township, and Warminster.

“We’re getting great feedback from shoppers in the area and are looking to get closer to people," said Lidl spokesman William Harwood. “This is the start of our expansion in the Philadelphia area. We hope to have one open in the city proper next year.”

Lidl opened its first U.S. stores in June 2017 in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, with shelves filled with merchandise from in-house labels priced to dramatically undercut competing grocers. The model was pioneered in the United States by competing German supermarket chain Aldi.