The Store that's a Lidl different (Lidl)

Member Name: ian22

Product:	Lidl
Date:	26/07/03 (3213 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap food of good quality

Disadvantages: Very very fast checkout workers

When Lidl opened in our town about a year ago, there was an air of anticipation and a real sense of curiosity, as most people had never heard of them.

A year on, I am pleased to report that Lidl has remained a firm favourite, and has certainly given the local Sainsbury's a run for its money!

*** The Company ***

Lidl is originally a German company, which has spread across much of mainland Europe and now has about 60 branches in the UK. Most of its UK branches are in the Midlands and the east of England.

*** The Store and its Staff ***

Each store is about the size of a typical Iceland or Tesco Metro store. There are about 3 or 4 main aisles and the layout is systematic, with tins and drinks first and frozen products last. Unlike other supermarkets, which spend an exorbitant amount of time stacking shelves, Lidl leave stock in pallets so that you can just help yourself. This might seem untidy, but in my opinion, is beneficial because it allows staff to get on with more important jobs in the store.

Each branch of Lidl only has about 3 or 4 checkouts, and typically only 2 of these are open at a time. Warning: checkout operators work extremely fast! The other day a young man at the checkout was rushing so much he accidentally threw my change in the air and it landed in the dustbin!!

From my experience, staff never seem to be very happy and are by no means friendly. You're very lucky if they even acknowledge you at the checkout, let alone say "hello" or "goodbye"! Yet, despite that, staff tend to be well-trained and work very hard. Even the managers "muck in" with work on the shopfloor!

Anyway, enough about the store and onto what they actually sell...

*** Stock and Value for Money ***

Lidl does not stock well-known brands like Heinz and Kelloggs, so if you only buy branded goods, it may not be the place for you. That said, many of the product
s are remarkably similar to the well-known brands, but at a fraction of the cost. For example, a few weeks ago, I bought a pack of six bottles of "Valon" mineral water (0.5L each) at only 79p! A similar brand would cost twice as much at the well-known supermarket chains. A six-pack of Aqua Pura, for instance, costs £1.58 at Asda.

The fresh produce at Lidl is also of good quality and very reasonably priced. They often have fruit and vegetables reduced to half price, and you can frequently buy sacks of potatoes and bags of carrots for under a pound.

They also sell a good range of electrical items and goods for the home. We get a flyer through the letter box every week telling us of forthcoming bargains. This week's one is advertising a video recorder down in price by £10 at £49.99, and a 18V Parkside Electric Drill at £24.99 (£14 less). I am not sure whether these items are readily available at every store, but most stores are good when it comes to availability.

*** Quality ***

You might think that because of its low prices Lidl compromises on quality. However, you'd be wrong. Lidl always seeks the freshest produce of the highest quality. Produce quality is often superior to that of well-known branded goods; it's just a question of opening your mind to unconventional brands.

*** Overall Verdict ***

Lidl has a timeless appeal. You may not want to do all your shopping there, but it is a great place to pick up bargains. A trip to Lidl is also an educational experience, because you can purchase items you wouldn't normally see at a British supermarket.

Moreover, Lidl is an environmentally-friendly company. It actively encourages recycling, and, as such, does not supply free carrier bags at the checkouts, but allows you to bring your own bags or purchase a special Lidl bag for 9p. These are very strong and durable, and are similar to the charity bags you get at Sainsbury's, Tesco
and Morrisons.

So overall, I would give Lidl 8/10. A good shop with bargains galore.... But don't forget to take a bag!

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