Lidl opens its first round of U.S. stores

The wait is over.



German discount grocery retailer Lidl made its hotly-awaited debut in the United States on Thursday, opening the first 10 of 20 locations it plan to open over the summer. The chain expects to have 100 stores up and running within a year.



Six of the newly opened stores are in North Carolina, with locations in Greenville, Sanford, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Kinston, and Winston-Salem. Two stores are in Virginia, with one in Virginia Beach and the other in Hampton. And one is in South Carolina, in Spartanburg.



Lidl, which operates 10,000 stores in 27 countries, is known for its low prices. Prior to opening, the retailer said that shoppers could expect grocery prices that are up to 50% less than other supermarkets in the United States.



Lidl's U.S. stores have an average 20,000 sq.ft. footprint, with and only six aisles. The modern, warehouse-reminiscent design, with natural wood accents. The merchandise mix includes standard grocery items, along with an on-site European-styled bakery, cheeses, fresh and frozen seafood, wines, organic foods and gluten-free options. House brands make up about 90% of the inventory.



In addition, the stores feature an edited selection of non-food products that will rotate and appear in stores for a limited time.



To see Lild's opening deals, check out the company's first U.S. circular.