Lidl’s U.S. launch gains momentum

Lidl has made bold moves this week in preparation of its upcoming United States launch.



The company has acquired the site of an industrial building in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood, which could be the chain’s first location in Philadelphia, according to philly.com.



This investment follows the German discounter’s recent $2.88 million purchase for two parcels of an Arlington, Va.-based U.S. unit that covers nearly four acres of land, according to city property records.



Building further momentum, Lidl is starting its talent search in earnest.



In addition to inviting potential store managers to a job fair in North Carolina on Monday, Dec. 12, the German retailer will hold another event for store supervisors in Fairfax, Virginia on Wednesday, Dec. 14, according to the company’s website.



These potential candidates will be placed in stores anticipated to open across the eastern seaboard in 2017— a move that will give new competition to a number of price-sensitive retailers, including Walmart, Dollar Tree, Food Lion and Stop & Shop, according to Kantar Retail.



“We have landed in America and we are searching for talented, friendly and dynamic people to grow with us,” the site said. “We are one of the top four largest grocery retailers in the world and we are bringing a brand new fresh shopping experience to our American shoppers.”



Lidl, which operates nearly 10,000 stores in 27 countries, plans to open between 120 and150 stores by the end of 2017, according to Reuters.



The chain will steadily continue its store and distribution center expansion throughout the United States in the years thereafter, the site said.