America’s soon-to-be newest grocery player, Lidl, will set up a regional headquarters and distribution hub in Alamance County, North Carolina, after the county and the cities of Graham and Mebane reportedly lured the European company with a nearly $5.38 million incentive package. The Germany-based discount grocer is expected to invest $125 million and create 200 jobs during the next three years, according to the Triad Business Journal.
The announcement July 1 by North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory and other state officials comes on the heels of news that Lidl had chosen Arlington County, Virginia, over Charlotte for its U.S. headquarters. The grocer will spend more than $200 million there.
Lidl operates nearly 10,000 stores globally and is a direct rival to fast-growing Aldi.
“We are thrilled to open new facilities in North Carolina and look forward to introducing American consumers to a different type of shopping experience,” said Brendan Proctor, president and CEO of Lidl U.S., according to the Journal. “Our philosophy is simple: We are focused on offering customers top-quality products at the most competitive pricing in convenient locations. We plan to build on the foundation that has made Lidl so successful in Europe, while creating a unique experience for American consumers that will be unlike anything else in the market.”
Lidl reportedly is considering putting a store in the Charlotte region as well as two in the Triad.
