Lidl US announced it plans to open the first of 20 stores planned for this summer on June 15, way ahead of its original 2018 schedule.
Speculation abounds about how the German discounter will operate in the U.S. It currently has more than 10,000 locations. Similar to Aldi, also a German discount banner, the store plans to offer a limited assortment of the most common grocery items, including fresh produce, meat and bakery.
Lidl has aggressive plans for growth in the U.S. It plans to open 20 stores in 2017, and 100 stores in the first year.
This map, from Planned Grocery/Beitz and Daigh Geographics, lists current locations and site plans.
Site plans also are being discussed in the Houston suburbs, with the Conroe city council considering variances for alcohol sales in recent meetings.