# Europeans--what do you think of Lidl? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 19, 2016, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087 "2016-10-19T23:52:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2016, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/1 "2016-10-19T23:52:40Z")
Here in the U.S., I’ve been reading about a german supermarket chain called Lidl’s that is coming here in the coming years. I’ve already been shopping at Aldi’s and Trader Joe’s, so what’s good, bad, or different about Lidl’s? Thanks for your input. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 7:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/2 "2016-10-20T07:15:17Z")
From experience of both here in the UK, Lidl is almost indistinguishable from Aldi, IMO. Some of the specific products are different, but if you led me blindfolded to one or the other, I would be hard-pressed to know which one I was in - the layout, the point of sale, the tills and store design and the general price levels are all highly similar. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 7:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/3 "2016-10-20T07:26:12Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > From experience of both here in the UK, Lidl is almost indistinguishable from Aldi, IMO. Yeah, the two international German chains are very similar. They tend to have lower lightning than the American, British, French or Spanish chains, and the walls painted a color that was cream at some point (and which in the worst offenders includes cobwebs) instead of being painted white and kept white. They also tend to have things piled up or in large cardboard boxes which may not even correspond to the product they hold, often atop pallets. To me the combination of the lighting and the big piles makes them less visually attractive than the other chains, but the actual quality is similar and the prices, well: some things are cheaper, some are more expensive. ---
**Author:** ![VanillaGorilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f9ae1b/32.png) [@VanillaGorilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VanillaGorilla)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/4 "2016-10-20T07:46:57Z")
Low prices, low quality products. The range of items on sale seem to differ from day to day - sometimes they have what you are looking for in stock, sometimes not. Sometimes they are selling cheap boots next to the dairy section, next time they are instead selling cheap toasters. Not the place to go for your monthly grocery shopping, but you can walk in there and leave with some very cheap items, just don’t expect to find everything on your grocery list. ---
**Author:** ![Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/half_man_half_wit/32/21766_2.png) [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 9:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/5 "2016-10-20T09:09:04Z")
> [@VanillaGorilla](#): > > Not the place to go for your monthly grocery shopping, but you can walk in there and leave with some very cheap items, just don’t expect to find everything on your grocery list. I actually do most of my grocery shopping at Lidl (mainly due to the fact that there’s one reasonably nearby)—the differences in stock really only concern their ‘special offer’ items, which will vary usually on a weekly basis (and which recur seasonally). They will occasionally be out of stock of certain items, but your basic grocery shopping needs are usually covered about as well as in most other supermarket chains. ---
**Author:** ![Maastricht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/6 "2016-10-20T09:26:34Z")
> [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](#): > > I actually do most of my grocery shopping at Lidl (mainly due to the fact that there’s one reasonably nearby)—the differences in stock really only concern their ‘special offer’ items, which will vary usually on a weekly basis (and which recur seasonally). They will occasionally be out of stock of certain items, but your basic grocery shopping needs are usually covered about as well as in most other supermarket chains. I have a Lidl nearby. They are really affordable, and have a good range of veggies. The stores look far less bare then Aldi. Like Aldi, many of their cheaper brands often come out best value for money in independent Consumer organization tests. In season, they also have cheap convenience luxury food items. I like Lidl. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/7 "2016-10-20T09:56:28Z")
> [@VanillaGorilla](#): > > Low prices, low quality products. I have to disagree vehemently. I shop all over, from the perceived high-end to the discount supermarkets and I’m very picky regarding quality and value for money. Most of the mid-range products in Lidl stack up very well against the same products from more expensive supermarkets. Some is much better and much cheaper (lidl greek and turkish yoghurt, bockwurst, cold meats, bottled beers, fresh breads etc.). It is true that you may not find everything on your shopping list but what you do get will be good. The other big benefit is that the shops are smaller, less unnecessary choice and so overall it takes me far less time to get it done. ---
**Author:** ![Seren359](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a87d85/32.png) [@Seren359](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seren359)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/8 "2016-10-20T11:40:13Z")
Lidl and the other German supermarkets are doing very well in the UK. When people try their items they are usually happy. The pricing comes from the huge purchasing power of the group and is not at the cost of quality. Their goods often come very high up in blind tasting tests. With a supplier base mainly in Europe I do not know how the product range will transfer to the USA? ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/9 "2016-10-20T12:03:46Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > They tend to have lower **lightning** than the American, British, French or Spanish chains That’s okay I guess, but remember, it only takes 70–700 mA to kill someone! ---
**Author:** ![Go\_Arachnid\_Laser\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b2d939/32.png) [@Go\_Arachnid\_Laser\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Go_Arachnid_Laser_1)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/10 "2016-10-20T12:07:00Z")
Cheap place. Not a lot of variety- except they do have some items only they sell and keep on display for a while, like Thai cup noodles and the occasional gadget (lamps, exercise equipment) or stuff like that. ---
**Author:** ![Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/les_espaces_du_sommeil/32/308_2.png) [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Les_Espaces_Du_Sommeil)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/11 "2016-10-20T12:20:29Z")
Lidl is not bad at all. Quality ranges from OK to really good, you will find most of what you need including some slightly fancier stuff and the prices are low. The stores are less depressing than Aldi’s. Personally, I’m fine with both supermarket chains. I may give Lidl the edge but both are good enough. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/12 "2016-10-20T12:37:31Z")
> [@Les\_Espaces\_Du\_Sommeil](#): > > The stores are less depressing than Aldi’s. I like your description 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Busy\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d78d45/32.png) [@Busy\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Busy_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/13 "2016-10-20T12:46:11Z")
Big fan - Aldi near me in the UK. Food quality is not in question, easily as good as their competitors. As others have said above, checkout is so quick [the staff earn their money in Aldi] that waiting in line at other supermarkets now seems very out-dated. I don’t think it was always like this, IIRC they originally were looking at the bottom end of the market in the UK, but that changed several years ago. Their non-food stuff is a bit of a jumble sale - I’d pick up some stuff there but nothing where you’re really looking for quality. An exception is their cycling clothing, which is very solid - popular with commuters. Whether this translates to the US IDK - seems like a tough market for outsiders to break into. Americans cry about how shite walmart is, but when Decathlon [one of the biggest sport retailers in the world, superb price / quality balance] tried to get established they got nowhere. No presence at all in the US now AFAIK. ---
**Author:** ![TwiSpark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/77aa72/32.png) [@TwiSpark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwiSpark)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/14 "2016-10-20T13:59:23Z")
A lot of what they stock is imported, so you get to try some interesting new things if you’ve never used these supermarkets before. I like them. There are threads out there on sites like [moneysavingexpert.co.uk](http://moneysavingexpert.co.uk) where people have compiled lists of what’s good and what’s not good. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/15 "2016-10-20T15:21:36Z")
> [@Busy\_Scissors](#): > > Whether this translates to the US IDK - seems like a tough market for outsiders to break into. Aldi’s has been in the US since 1976. They found a niche and do well in it. I’ve been an Aldi’s customer for almost 30 years now. ---
**Author:** ![araminty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5e925/32.png) [@araminty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/araminty)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/16 "2016-10-20T15:36:06Z")
Here is a [parody of a Lidl ad](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7jVLp-n9ww)which makes me giggle. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/17 "2016-10-20T16:01:18Z")
Here is a discussion of how well they will do in the U.S. by retail experts: > **[Will Aldi and Lidl replicate U.K. success in the U.S.? - RetailWire](https://retailwire.com/discussion/will-aldi-and-lidl-replicate-u-k-success-in-the-u-s/)** > > Aldi and Lidl have steadily grabbed market share in the U.K. over recent years Now, with Aldi ramping up its expansion in the U.S. and Lidl planning to enter the market in a big way as early as next year, the question is whether the two will achieve... ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/18 "2016-10-20T16:38:17Z")
> [@VanillaGorilla](#): > > Low prices, low quality products. Nonsense. Good prices, very good quality. > [@VanillaGorilla](#): > > The range of items on sale seem to differ from day to day - sometimes they have what you are looking for in stock, sometimes not. Sometimes they are selling cheap boots next to the dairy section, next time they are instead selling cheap toasters. > . Love, love Lidl. Should also note they pay proper working wages. Agree, on two points: 1. cheap and very fresh produce,and 2. the ‘random aisle’ is a thing to behold - no idea what’s going to pop up in that ron twice a week After a while I adjusted to shop twice a week after work in order to take advantage of the cheap and fresh stuff. There are some items Lidl don’t stock so I do go elsewhere as well occasionally to, now, buy more in bulk - or get it delivered via online. Lidl is absolutely the supermarket of choice to visit. Used to be known as the immigrant supermarket but now the middle classes have adopted Lidl wholly. The market in the UK has changed phenomenally in the past 2-3 years with the ‘big weekly shop’ in giant supermarkets waning quickly and instead far more Lidl/Aldi, plus a weekly online shop/delivery. ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/19 "2016-10-20T16:39:53Z")
dp … ---
**Author:** ![Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/half_man_half_wit/32/21766_2.png) [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2016, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087/20 "2016-10-20T17:06:14Z")
> [@up\_the\_junction](#): > > Love, love Lidl. Should also note they pay proper working wages. Over here, Lidl has actually been massively criticized for low wages and poor work climate, at times using hidden cameras to spy on staff. They’ve attempted to combat that image, though, and have since considerably raised wages. I wonder whether their policy was different in the UK… [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/europeans-what-do-you-think-of-lidl/769087.md?page=2)