Great for occasional special offers (Lidl)

Member Name: lisajo

Product:	Lidl
Date:	22/07/09 (62 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: some products are really cheap

Disadvantages: I can't get everything I want from there

Lidl was founded in Germany in the 1930s as a grocery wholesaler, opening their first store in 1973. During the 1990s Lidl began opening stores throughout Europe and now have more than 380 stores. I have two near me, both within a 5 minute drive in opposite directions.

I only really venture into Lidl when they have dropped a special offers leaflet through my door, which they did last week. One outstanding offer which drew me to the store was 4 tins of Branston Baked Beans for £1. If you have read any of my baked beans reviews you will knew that I am a bit of a worshipper.... So last week I had nipped in a picked up a pack of four but having finished the last tin this morning I wanted to go back to get more.

I was surprised to see two sizes of trolley at Lidl, I had never paid much attention before, only popping in for a few bits every now and then. However, there were no baskets. I did not have a pound coin on me, nor a trolley token so I was a bit stuck, I would have had to carry my 20 tinned of baked beans in one hand, with my son on my other hip. So I asked a member of staff, who was the guy on the checkout if they had any trolley tokens. He said they did not but dutifully reached into his till and gave me a pound - I promised I would take it back to him. He probably really should not have done that - considering I could have trotted off with it!

Anyway, I collected my trolley, one of the smaller size and piled it high with baked beans and a few other bits I needed and a packet of cookies I did not need but quite fancied. I had a good look around the store, in particular at the toiletries. I had remembered reading a review about Lidl Cien nappies and thought I would get a pack just to try. They did not have any at my store, but lots of other toiletry products, from soap to shampoo to sanitary items.

They have a variety of cleaning products and I do tend to pick up a couple of bottles of their laminate floor cleaner when I am there - that is recommended by me (W5 Laminate and Cork Floor care). They do stock products such as Glade but only a few bits, nowhere near the range to you would see in the likes of Tesco or Sainsbury's

Lidl seem to have a large alcohol aisle in both the stores I visit I have spotted Carlsberg Lager, Bishop's Finger and Newcastle Brown on the shelves but it does appear that they stock a huge variety of German beers and wines.

They have the usual tinned foods; corned beef, veg, tinned fish etc, bread, fruit and veg, dairy products and a wide selection in the freezers.

Lidl also have a growing variety of clothes, shoes and household goods, tools and gadgets. I had some nice platters and a food warmer from there last year.

Overall the store is not for me to do a regular shop where I would buy all of my groceries as the selection is just not wide enough for me. For me, Lidl is more a store to pick up the odd bargain and I can always keep my eye on this with the flyers.

I do remember that at the beginning of the year they had a really good offer on.... spend £30 get £10 off. The store was packed that day with everyone stacking trolleys high with tinned foods. I bought 24 tins of mushy and several jars of prunes to get my £10 off. AT the checkout the assistant asked me to fill out a form with my name, address and email so that they could contact me with similar offers and I have heard nothing since. One would be handy right one, I could get 120 tins of baked beans for £20 - that would probably last us about 6 months.

Oh and they do some really unusal fruit breads which are a very nice treat now and then.

Summary: A bit of a strange store....