When it comes to affordable groceries, German chain Lidl has few competitors. While some shoppers do prefer Aldi, Lidl has developed its own loyal customer base since opening in the U.S. back in 2015. Today, the grocery store chain has roughly 150 stores up and down the East Coast, but bargain shoppers may be sad to learn that number will be smaller after this weekend. According to multiple news outlets, the beloved chain is closing locations in six states on Sunday. Read on to find out more about the upcoming closures.
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A handful of states are losing two Lidl locations
Vytautas Kielaitis / ShutterstockSeveral Lidl stores are shutting down for good on July 16. Two Lidl supermarkets are closing in North Carolina, in Cary and Thomasville, along with two locations in Virginia, in Charlottesville and Richmond.
New Jersey will also say goodbye to a pair of Lidl stores in Howell and Burlington Township, as will South Carolina, with two Lidls closing in North Augusta and Florence.
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The stores aren't doing as well as the company hoped.
Cineberg / ShutterstockThe company provided similar statements for the closing stores, noting that the locations were "underperforming."
"After a thorough review of the performance of our store network, we made the difficult decision to close the store in Thomasville on July 16," a statement provided to CBS-affiliate WFMY about the Thomasville, Virginia, closure reads. "This was an underperforming location, and we made the strategic decision to close this location so we can focus on the locations that are closer and more convenient to more of our customers and where we are seeing significant growth. We appreciate the contributions team members in Thomasville have made and are offering all employees a position at another Lidl store in the area."
Best Life reached out to Lidl for comment on the closures, but has yet to hear back.
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Locations are also shuttering in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
mimpki / ShutterstockAccording to the Philadelphia Business Journal, the Lidl in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, is also closing up shop this Sunday after just 18 months in business—again due to underperformance.
Lidl is also shuttering stores in Oxon Hill and Brooklyn Park, Maryland, with those locations falling under the "underperforming" umbrella as well, Patch reported.
But Fox-affiliate WBFF reports that there may be another contributing factor to the Brooklyn Park closure. Citing "insiders," the outlet reported that theft is the main driver behind the store shutting down. This location is closing even sooner, per WBFF, with its last day set for Friday, July 14.
Customers are sad to see Lidl go.
salarko / ShutterstockLidl appears to be closing over 10 locations, and shoppers are already feeling the loss.
"I mean, it's the only store around that's worth a darn," a regular customer told WBFF of the Brooklyn Park Lidl.
"No, you're kidding! Oh. don't tell me that," Gina Wheatley, a shopper at the Burlington Township, New Jersey, Lidl told the Cherry Hill Courier-Post. "I am so disappointed. I come here twice a week and I like the products and the prices and I shop even the aisles with toys and books!"
However, while these locations are closing, the affordable German grocery chain is also actively opening stores. According to the Courier-Post, a new Lidl store will open in Freehold, New Jersey, while the Philadelphia Business Journal notes that a location is also opening in Lorton, Virginia, later this month.
