Lidl Swamped on Opening Day

Lidl is here at last

Lidl is here at last - the budget German retailer opened today, and to see the queues of shoppers trying to get in, you'd think this is the biggest news in the Bush since Westfield.

Fancy a sandwich for lunch? Don't even think about it. Lidl has hired bouncers to control the crowds, and expect to queue for a good while if you're determined enough to brave the long lines.

I popped in at 9am and it was already busy, with uniformed staff handing out coupons to eager shoppers.

Inside the store, the new Lidl looks, well, much like any other Lidl. And much like most grocery stores. But, of course, a bit cheaper.

Still, the new store breathes life back into the rather drab West 12 Centre, and a large budget store like this has to be a welcome alternative for many to the more upscale options of Waitrose and M&S. For anyone on a tight budget, Lidl is good news indeed.

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