LACEY, NJ - I like having options to choose from, the convenience and selection means that I get the best for my buck. So when I found out that not one, but two grocery stores opened their doors on the same day within a mile of two big-name retailers, I just about up and moved. Lidl and Aldi opened their doors to hundreds of eager shoppers on the same day, spurring what appears to be a grocery war. app. dubbed Route 9 “ground zero” due to the fact that heavyweights Walmart and ShopRite are also within close confines of each other.
"It's the grocery store wars and I think it's great," said Lacey Mayor Timothy McDonald. "Four grocery stores within a mile of each other, I think it's going to be good for Lacey residents." McDonald commented to app. that he hopes the new openings would mean prices would go down for Lacey shoppers.
The Ocean County store is Lidl’s first stake in the area, but its fifth in New Jersey. This will be Aldi’s 51st in New Jersey, following recent announcements in Florida. Patch reported that Lidl moved its opening date to coincide with Aldi’s, igniting a friendly competition acknowledged by both representatives.
Residents applaud the new store openings, giving them more opportunities, convenience, and selection in addition to previously provided. Especially when both retailers stock their own brand products that deliver on the platform of quality, fresh, and affordable.
"With that, we are really able to ensure high quality products and also incredible prices,” Chandler Ebeier, Senior Public Relations Specialist, stated. Ebeier also commented on selection through Lidl's bakery, providing fresh and quality goods right at the store front. "The fresh bakery is definitely a standout for us."
The stores also upped (or possibly downed?) the layout during construction—each store has just five aisles to peruse. With the low prices already, Aldi believes that it's made shopping a breeze for consumers.
"You don't need a coupon or a shopping card," Tom Fangras, Aldi’s Director of Operations, Pennsylvania, said in regards to the construction. "It is a very easy shopping experience for everyone."
As more businesses lay claim to already tapped markets, how will this play out for both consumers and retailers? Keep reading ANUK as we bring the latest in the industry.
