Lidl Grand Openings To Be Held In Shirley, West Babylon Next Week

SHIRLEY, NY — The German grocer Lidl will celebrate the grand opening of two of its latest Long Island locations in Shirley and West Babylon next week.

The grand opening for Lidl in Shirley is Sept. 22, and West Babylon will follow on Sept. 29. Both stores will host ribbon-cutting ceremonies with local dignitaries at 7:40 a.m. on those days.

From Wednesday to Sunday next week, Lidl will donate 50 cents to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation for every new myLidl member who signs up and sets the new Lidl store as their home store. The proceeds will go to kids in need on Long Island, according to a news release.

Customers will be able to take advantage of special offers such as the first 100 customers will be presented with gift cards ranging from $5 to $100 each. Shoppers can also enter to win a $500 Lidl gift card, and there will be giveaways.

The stores are “newly fitted-out with easy-to-shop layouts for a faster and more convenient” shopping experience for customers, and a bakery will greet customers at the entrance, according to the news release. There will be “hundreds of organic and gluten-free products, as well as unique specialty items ranging from hard-to-find cheeses to authentic specialty sauces,” the news release stated.

The stores will offer an "ever-changing selection" of food and non-food specials brought in each Wednesday for a limited time, and the rotating non-food selection will include fitness gear, small kitchen appliances, toys, outdoor furniture, and other items, according to the news release.

Produce will be brought in “fresh each day and will feature over 100 high-quality fresh fruit and vegetable options at affordable prices,” according to the news release. The selection of flowers will also be guaranteed fresh for five days at a minimum, with roses and lilies guaranteed for seven, the news release stated.

Lidl has been recognized for the second time by Food & Wine Magazine with ranking among its Top 10 U.S. Supermarkets, according to the news release. A UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School study also found that prices on Lidl’s award-winning assortment were up to 45 percent lower than nearby national grocers, the news release stated

Lidl offers a starting wage of $16.50 an hour, which is among the highest starting wages of any grocery retailer on Long Island, as well as comprehensive medical benefits for all team members regardless of the number of hours they work per week, according to the news release.

State Assemb. Joe DeStefano said he wanted to be the first person to welcome Lidl to Shirley.

“Having additional grocery options in our community will better serve residents and help keep prices down," he said.

State Sen. Alexis Weik said she proudly welcomes Lidl.

"Lidl’s latest grocery store is another positive addition to the tri-hamlet’s growing business community," she said.

Town of Babylon Councilman DuWayne Gregory said the grocer does a great job on Long Island, and especially in Suffolk County.

“ I am excited to see their continued growth and dedication to Long Island," he said.

State Assemb. Michael Durso said he is "thrilled" to welcome Lidl to West Babylon.

“I know first hand of their commitment to employees, customers, and the community," he said, adding, "West Babylon will be well-served!"