History of Lidl
Lidl, a prominent European supermarket chain, has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s. The
company was founded in 1930 by Josef Schwarz, initially as a wholesale grocery business in Germany.
After World War II, Schwarz expanded the business into retail, opening the first Lidl store in 1973
in Ludwigshafen. The name 'Lidl' comes from the surname of Schwarz's business partner, Ludwig Lidl.
Lidl quickly gained popularity for its low-cost, high-quality products, and its business model
centered around efficiency and cost-saving strategies. The chain expanded rapidly throughout Germany
in the 1980s and began international expansion in the 1990s, first into other European countries and
then globally. Lidl's growth was marked by its focus on discount pricing and private label products,
which enabled it to compete effectively with other supermarket chains.
Today, Lidl operates
over 11,000 stores across 32 countries, employing over 310,000 people worldwide. It continues to be
known for its emphasis on affordability, efficiency in operations, and a wide range of private label
products. Lidl has become a household name across Europe and is expanding its presence in other
continents as well, continuing to build on its legacy of offering affordable, quality groceries to
millions of customers.