Shopping at Lidl is unlike any experience in America. As you walk to the bakery department, an attractive display case features a lineup of well-lit glass-enclosed shelves, each filled with four rows of unique breads and pastries. There are German pretzels, half baguettes, mini chocolate croissants, and one-of-a-kind creations like cheese pizza bread.

The bread and bakery products are unique because that is what today’s consumers demand. Around 80% of products are private label—all of which undergo rigorous taste, quality and sensory testing.

USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and Food & Wine Magazine have repeatedly ranked Lidl among the top grocers in the country.

Market Force Information, a leader in customer experience management, recently unveiled pivotal findings from its recent extensive survey on casual dining preferences across the United States. This comprehensive study highlights shifting trends influenced by economic factors and evolving consumer tastes.

Economic shifts have significantly impacted consumer behavior, with 72.1% of diners noting that recent price increases have altered their spending habits, and 58.5% stating these hikes have changed their ordering decisions. To counteract this, diners are increasingly seeking out promotions, special offers, and better value for money as primary incentives.

Additionally, the study provides insights into the performance of delivery service providers and the integration of technology such as tablets and QR codes in dining experiences.

Lidl offers delivery at your fingertips, using Shipt to connect local retailers in neighborhoods with shoppers that help them get the things they need – from grocery delivery to household essentials.

Whether consumers are shopping for specialty snacks or other needs, they can send over a shopper with everything you need the very same day. Shipt has built relationships with some of America's favorite brands. Shoppers are invited to find savings right in the app and subscribe to the weekly Exclusive Savings newsletter to find even more ways to save.

In addition to bolstering technology, Lidl US in March announced the appointment of four industry powerhouses to the company’s leadership team. They include Miguel Paradela, executive vice president (EVP) of purchasing and chief commercial officer; Frank Kerr, chief customer officer; Tod Seiling, vice president (VP) of fresh, and Michael Chao, head of marketing.  

Reporting to chief executive officer Joel Rampoldt, Paradela is responsible for setting the long-term strategy for the buying and merchandising function at Lidl US. Paradela has more than 25 years of experience with the international grocer, where he most recently served as the general manager of purchasing and marketing for Lidl Spain.

Lidl has also announced the appointment of Kerr as Lidl’s first-ever chief customer officer, responsible for driving a holistic consumer experience. Kerr, who returns for a second stint at Lidl US, where he was one of the first 50 employees, brings all customer-centric activities together in this newly created team, which will include consumer insights, marketing, loyalty and promotions. Kerr has been in the US grocery industry for more than 20 years and has worked at major brands including Save A Lot and Nestle. Kerr will report to Paradela.

With almost 30 years of experience, Seiling has joined Lidl US as vice president of fresh, reporting to Paradela. Seiling will oversee all fresh food buying including meat, fish, poultry and produce. Joining most recently from Save a Lot where he served as VP of Fresh Merchandising, Seiling has spent his entire career in fresh food. He previously held roles at Walmart, Albertsons, Rouses Market and Farmland Foods, a division of Smithfield Foods, among others. Seiling will report to Paradela.

Finally, Chao has joined Lidl US as vice president, head of marketing, reporting to Kerr.  Over the course of his career, Chao has held senior marketing roles for some of the nation’s most well-known retailers including Dollar General, JOANN Stores and Walmart. At Lidl US, Chao will be responsible for driving brand awareness and customer loyalty as the business continues to grow in the U.S. market.

“I am excited to welcome Miguel, Frank, Tod and Michael to the team,” Rampoldt says. “Their combined expertise, incredible leadership and the work of their talented teams will be crucial to our success as we continue to deliver high quality products at low prices for our customers. At Lidl, we are committed to boosting the customer experience at all of our stores and having the right talent in place is necessary to achieve our goals.”

Lidl operates more than 12,000 stores and is active in 32 countries, employing more than 360,000 employees globally. Lidl offers customers the highest quality fresh produce, meat, bakery items and a wide array of household products. Lidl first established its U.S. headquarters in Arlington County, Virginia, in June 2015, and today sells its award-winning products in more than 170 stores across nine east coast states and Washington, D.C.