Lidl experience (Lidl)

Member Name: Andy

Product:	Lidl
Date:	13/03/09 (166 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Currently Affordable, cheaper, efficiently run business, increasing sales

Disadvantages: limited stock.. limited supply

Hey, my names Andy.. working for several stores up here in Northern Ireland.
Having worked here for 2-3 years I have had many interesting experiences with the company. The following are a few main pointers I gather from various perspectives as a worker, and a customer:

- Lidl is said to be a fast-paced business, running efficiently and effectively as possible in the day-to-day running / operational hours.. I can comment now this is exactly as described - All members of staff will always have their work - in either detailling+presentation, cleaning, stock replenishment, inventory monitoring, till procedures, customer enquiries etc.

- For myself an example of an average 5-13hour shift would see myself working on the till (perhaps only two-3members of staff working total), at the same time I would be working backstock, deliveries, checking inventory and monitoring, fresh produce checks i.e freshness / 'C' dates etc.

- In such a fast paced environment, customers feel they are almost put aside as examples shown in store are: 2 staff working on floor - no personnel on till straight away. Our main priority is the till - our procedures are however to be actively working and earning our competitive wages by doing so unlike other UK retail business' (for example): 2 workers - no customers at till - I would have to work on the shop floor with delivery or backstock as a procedure - while keeping 'an eye' on tills for customers.

Now unfortunately I can understand as a customer at lidl how frustrating this can be, especially when a queue gathers or if in a rush, however staff do have better efficient till procedures when working the till, so while waiting - the time between tescos tills (for example) would infact be ' a slower' process.. as we have infact an 'items per min' deadline to achieve - to ensure a quick process... queues are dealt with quickly. How many stores are there that queues are not an issue.. it may seem odd or frustrating but it is the same with any retail store, its just that lidl employs staff to be actively working on and off the till in between customers.. - there is a focus within management and improvement methods within the company.. so please folks- all I ask for is a little appreciation as is given - unless the cashier is having a bad day and decides to be an 'pain' - then I agree with frustration.

- For insight into working in lidl, many quality elements are gained such as: Time keeping, management, punctuality, 100% teamwork, rewarding goals - individually as well as team succession. physical limitations put to the test. Efficient working methods, meeting various cultural backgrounds: ethics + values applied as appropriate).

- From a customer' perspective: Lidl stores can provide the essentials of a weekly shop for many at (for now) a low, affordable price, which for todays benefits is important to many - if not us all. Price cuts, competitive value on ALL products. - It is possible to lower a monthly retail expense, despite the 'limited' range of products, however makes all the difference to shopping around: eg: why pay more for something which 'lidl' does sell for cheaper - then onto tescos or somewhere else for the essentials that are not provided.

- Advice for anyone looking a retail job @ lidl:
- Despite being a fast-paced business, there are 'fun' times and banter to be had by a working team.

- Flexibility of hours is pretty much expected - as with any job, but more so important.

- Manager / upgrade positions easily accessed through internal opportunites rather than external applications.

- Excellent over-time / flexibility, + all UK benefits (paid holidays, company expenses etc).

- Competitive salaries (all positions / occasional Pay rise opportunities (Basic + individual).

Hope this gives some insight into the store from my experiences

Summary: What lidl is all about..