Lidl is winning over shoppers who feel overwhelmed at Walmart or tired of buying in bulk at Costco just to save a few bucks.
Originally from Europe, Lidl is a chain of low-cost supermarkets that’s been quietly building momentum in the United States. And now, it’s going big. The company plans to open up to 255 new stores in 2025, many of them along the East Coast, in places like New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. Cities like Bethesda, Hackensack, and Bowie are already on the list.
If you’ve never shopped at Lidl before, you might be wondering what the big deal is. Here’s the short version: it’s affordable, it’s easy to shop, and it actually makes grocery runs feel… doable.
What makes Lidl different (in a good way)
Walking into a Lidl feels different than from most big-name grocery stores. The space is smaller, but in a good way: you’re not zig-zagging through 20 aisles trying to find pasta, you won’t get stuck behind a dozen carts in line, and you definitely won’t need a membership card.
Lidl focuses on a limited selection of products, most of which are their own brands—and that’s where the savings come in. These aren’t off-brand knockoffs either. Their private-label items match ans sometimes even beat the quality of the big-name stuff, but at a much lower price.
This model works especially well in busy areas like New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. Why? Because people there just want to get in, grab what they need, and get on with their day. In smaller cities like Bowie, Hackensack, and Bethesda, Lidl is already becoming the new neighborhood favorite.
Going up against grocery giants
Going up against Walmart and Costco is no small thing to do, honestly. These two dominate the world of low-cost supermarkets in the United States. But Lidl isn’t trying to outdo them at their own game. It’s playing a different one.
Walmart is all about endless options. Costco wants you to buy in bulk. But Lidl? It’s about simplicity. A curated selection with low prices, and a straightforward experience that respects your time and your wallet.
That’s why so many shoppers are giving Lidl a shot—and already sticking with it. Some people don’t need 10 brands of ketchup, but something good, affordable, and easy to find.
Why people are actually enjoying grocery shopping again
It’s been a long time since “grocery shopping” and “enjoyable” belonged in the same sentence. But Lidl is changing that for a lot of people.
The stores are clean and calm. The bakery section smells amazing (don’t skip the croissants). The produce is fresh. The prices are refreshingly low. And because most items are private label, you’re not paying extra for a logo.
For anyone feeling the pinch from rising food prices—which is pretty much everyone right now—Lidl’s timing couldn’t be better. With more stores opening across the East cost, more people are discovering that you don’t have to choose between quality and affordability anymore.
Maybe it’s time to try something new
Lidl might not be a household name across the U.S.—not yet. But in Europe, it’s already one of the biggest supermarket chains. Wearing accessories with the Lidl logo, like socks and sandals, became a trend in France and other countries around.
With 255 new stores on the way in 2025, especially across New Jersey, New York, and Maryland, the company is getting there.
If you see a new Lidl opening nearby, stop in. Grab some groceries. Try the bakery. You might just find that it gives you everything you need—without the crowd, the bulk packaging, or the sticker shock.