Lidl And ALDI Kick Off New Lacey Locations

LACEY, NJ — Batman or Superman? Where is the best pizza? Which is the best "Star Wars" film? One of history's great debates is taking shape in Lacey and it has everything to do with grocery shopping.

ALDI or Lidl?

On Tuesday morning, only minutes apart, the German-based supermarket rivals opened their doors to the public with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Read more: ALDI And Lidl: A Storied History, Now In Lacey

Lidl wasn't afraid to address the competition on social media.

But Tuesday was just one battle in a grocery war that expanded to Lacey. Customers had plenty to say about both new stores.

"I like Lidl a bit more," said Harris Enerson of Toms River. "I like the selection more. Aldi is limited with what they offer."

The new Lidl store is located at 514 Route 9 in Lacey next to Walmart. The grand opening ceremony was accompanied by live music.

Customers waiting in line were given free juice, coffee and doughnuts as they waited for the doors to officially open at 8 a.m. Some customers had been waiting in line since 6 a.m. One waited overnight to be first in line and earn a $250 gift card.

A raffle was held during the ceremony and prizes included an espresso machine and kitchen appliances. Customers also had the opportunity to sign up for the Lidl newsletter and enter to win a $500 Lidl shopping spree.

Only three people would be selected for the top $500 prize. The first 200 customers received gift cards ranging from $5 to $250.

"I think the high-quality products at affordable prices sets us apart from other supermarkets," Ebeier said. "Based on the feedback from customers, we were able to curate our products down to what our customers want."

The Lacey store has approximately 15,000 square feet of shopping space, according to Ebeier. Lidl has five full aisles of products and stresses a fast, efficient, shopping experience.

"I have been to the Lidl in Eatontown," said Ray Gravatt, of Manahawkin. "(The Eatontown Lidl) is more upscale (than ALDI). They have a fresh bakery and more selection."

At nearly the same time as Lidl, ALDI held their own grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. On Monday, Sept. 9, ALDI held a soft opening for their customers. The new store is located at 300 Route 9 next to the Home Depot.

According to ALDI Director of Operations Tom Fangras, the Lacey location is the 51st store in New Jersey. Fangras said they want customer's repeat business for high-quality products at inexpensive prices.

Fangras stressed customer loyalty and providing an easy and convenient shopping experience.

"We feel it's a good market for us," Fangras said. "We're confident with all the retail in the area and, especially with our neighboring stores, we wanted to bring our success to the area."

The first 100 customers got a "golden ticket" gift card worth between $10-100 and were given free bags for their shopping experience. While rival Lidl hit the United States in June 2017, ALDI has been operating in the U.S. since 1976 when they opened their first store in Iowa.

"Everything is fresh," Vincent Maulbeck of Lacey said of ALDI. "It's a great place and I'll be doing my shopping here all the time."

"Havarti cheese is the best," Elizabeth Lustig of Lacey said. "I use it to make my spaetzle and ALDI's is the only one that I'm aware of that carries it."

ALDI's operates more than 1,900 American stores and thousands more worldwide while Lidl operates more than 65 stores in nine states along the east coast.

Lidl was first opened in 1973 with the idea of being a "unique supermarket" and opened several locations throughout Europe. They opened in the United States in 1976.
Lidl expanded to the United States in 2015. The Lacey location is the 70th Lidl store in the nation, according to Lidl spokesperson Chandler Ebeier.

"I'm really excited about the convenient location," Amy Paradise of Bayville said of ALDI. "I no longer have to find an ALDI when I'm out and about."

So who do you support? ALDI or Lidl?

Let the games begin.

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