These Two Grocery Chains Are Competing to Expand Right Now

For supermarket chain Wegmans and international discount grocer Lidl, store expansion has been the name of the game over the past several years. Both have worked to increase their U.S. footprints, specifically within the east coast and northeast regions of the country, many times vying for customer attention in shared markets.

In most recent news, the two brands will be competing head to head with stores planned to open just a block away from one another in northwest Washington D.C.–which is great for fans of either chain or shoppers who simply appreciate options for their food needs in the D.C. area.

While both supermarkets have existing stores in the surrounding D.C. regions, this will be Wegmans' first location in the District, set to open this summer on July 13. On the other hand, the Lidl store–slated to be complete by late 2023–will be the third of its kind in the District, following two more expected to open before the end of 2022.

Wegmans has grown immensely since its humble beginnings, founded in 1916 in Rochester, New York. The chain currently operates 107 stores across Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia–with the D.C. store, plus expansions to Connecticut and Delaware, soon to be added to the list.

Shoppers at the new locations can expect to see the same beloved features shared across all Wegmans' stores including a European open-air market feel, spacious aisles, consistently low prices, and, above all else, a large and quality selection of food products and household goods.

In comparison, Lidl stores have a starkly different background, first making their debut in the U.S. in 2017. The chain first began in Germany and operates in over 30 different European countries in addition to the U.S. The business is positioned as a discount retailer–similar to an ALDI, but with bigger stores–and about 80% of inventory is the chain's own private label brand, accompanied also by authentic imported selections.

In the U.S., Lidl currently has 165 locations in Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia. Over 50 of these locations have opened just within the last year, as part of a massive growth project for the company.

Whether shoppers are avid supporters of one, both, or are just now being introduced to Wegmans and Lidl stores, both are names likely to continue making grocery store news as they push full steam ahead on these expansion initiatives.

These are not the only two supermarkets growing right now. Here are 11 Grocery Chains That Have Rapidly Expanded This Year.