Harlem's New Lidl Supermarket Reveals Long-Awaited Opening Date

HARLEM, NY — The wait is almost over: Lidl will open its eagerly-awaited Harlem supermarket later this month, the company announced on Monday.

The popular German market, known for its low prices and high-quality specialty foods, will have a grand opening on Feb. 23 at its new shop at 2187 Frederick Douglass Blvd., between West 118th and 119th streets.

Lidl's arrival has been anticipated since 2019, when the company purchased the local chain Best Market and announced plans to take over dozens of locations — including the Frederick Douglass Boulevard store. That location ultimately shuttered last year, and Lidl's move-in has been closely watched in the ensuing months.

The market will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. — Lidl's first store in Manhattan and 24th in New York. More than 80 jobs were created by the new shop, with pay for each position starting at $18 per hour, including healthcare and other benefits.

Lidl spent more than $5 million to upgrade the store, which spans multiple stories and includes fresh produce, flowers, and specialty items like cheese, sauces and cured meats.

Preceding next Wednesday's opening will be a 7:40 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring "local leaders," according to Lidl. The first 100 customers in line before the ribbon-cutting will receive gift cards ranging from $5 to $100 each, and customers can also sample products ad enter to win a $500 Lidl gift card.

News of the Harlem opening was applauded on Monday by Assemblymember Inez Dickens and Lieutenant Gov. Brian Benjamin — himself a Harlemite.

"As a young dad, I recognize how important it is for parents to have easy access to fresh produce and quality ingredients," Benjamin said in a statement. "With Lidl now in Harlem, it will be easier for the community to stock up on nutritious options for our families—and ourselves."

During Lidl's opening weekend, the market will host a donation drive benefitting the Food Bank for New York City's Harlem community kitchen. The company will also donate $1 for ever customer that downloads Lidl's app and sets the Harlem store as their home location between Feb. 23-27.

Worldwide, Lidl runs about 11,550 stores in 32 countries. Its most recent New York City opening was in Astoria, Queens last year.

Have a Harlem news tip? Email reporter Nick Garber at [email protected].

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