Touting itself as the “Super-Est Market in Town,” German-owned discount supermarket chain Lidl celebrated the grand opening of its Park Slope location on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Baltic Street on Dec. 10 with sweet treats for customers, plus gift card and T-shirt giveaways. The opening marks another step in the company’s U.S. expansion and its growing presence in New York City.
The store is open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering holiday meal deals and its famous 49-cent butter croissant — flown in from Europe and baked fresh daily — along with a variety of other bakery items.
Known for its no-frills approach, the supermarket was voted the No. 1 grocery chain in the Newsweek Reader’s Choice Awards last May. Lidl carries fresh produce, high-quality meat, including organic beef and antibiotic-free chicken, frozen goods, household items, home goods, and its Lidl Preferred Selection line, which features items such as Italian Parmigiano Reggiano, prosciutto and frozen tiramisu.
In addition to weekend super sales, Lidl offers “Monday Must-Haves” like kitchen gadgets, home décor, fitness gear and seasonal merchandise. Weekly deals drop every Wednesday. Shoppers can also download the MyLidl app for exclusive app-only discounts, including a welcome coupon and rewards through the Super Shopper program.
Locals were excited about the grand opening, especially after the former Key Food closed in July 2021 to make way for a mixed-use redevelopment. Many said they had been forced to rely on more expensive grocery options in the years since.
Karen McCreary and Mike Chen were among the first customers roaming the new store’s wide aisles.
McCreary, a community leader who lives in Gowanus, was part of the coalition that pushed local elected officials and community organizations to secure an affordable supermarket to replace Key Food.
“It’s all about being patient,” McCreary said. “They say good things come to those who wait. And here we are. I’m so thrilled with a capital thrill.”
A first-time Lidl shopper, McCreary said she appreciated the location and savings, and stocked up on food, cleaning supplies and hygiene products.
“Compared to the pharmacy I go to, and compared to the other supermarket I go to, I think I saved altogether, like maybe $23,” McCreary shared.
Chen, who works for the Fifth Avenue Committee, told Brooklyn Paper he learned about the opening through the organization.
“We came with friends and other community members just to check it out, to see whether they were going to hold the prices true for the community,” Chen said.
Park Slope resident Aretha Jones, a frequent shopper at Lidl’s Fulton Mall store, told Brooklyn Paper she loved the store’s convenient location, spacious layout, variety and budget-friendly prices — though she suggested Lidl add a delivery service for homebound seniors.
“I used to go to Whole Foods, but Lidl is my favorite. I have actually cut my grocery bills in half since coming to Lidl,” Jones said. “The only place that I shop is Lidl. I wouldn’t shop anywhere else. I ride my E-bike over here, put my stuff in my basket, and go.”
