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This rapidly-expanding supermarket chain just broke ground on a future Long Island location.
Lidl currently operates 21 supermarkets on Long Island and just got started on building a brand-new location across from the Tanger Outlets at 450 Commack Rd. in Deer Park.
It’s expected to open sometime in the winter of 2023.
This is the retail chain’s first new build on Long Island, and Lidl has invested over $15 million in the project.
“This store will be a very, very special store…we are literally laying our roots down on Long Island,” said Or Raitses, senior director of real estate in New York at Lidl US. “It’s more than just for the Deer Park community; it’s a regional destination.”
Raitses said Lidl Deer Park will be the largest store the company has ever built.
The state-of-the-art facility will feature all-natural, CO2 refrigeration and fast EV-charging stations for electric vehicles.
Once the store opens, Raitses said it will create 60 jobs with a starting pay at $17.50 an hour, which includes benefits such as healthcare.
At the ground-breaking ceremony on April 27, Raitses was joined by local officials, Jeff Hogan of Schimenti Construction, Paule Pachter of Long Island Cares Inc., and John Theissen of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation (JTCF), which Lidl has partnered with since 2019.
And Lauren Rochelle, a 16-year-old high school student from Wantagh, designed a limited-edition tote bag that will be available for sale at all Long Island Lidl grocery stores beginning May 4.
Rochelle took up drawing while her sister underwent several cancer treatments on Long Island and the John Theissen Children’s Foundation supported her family during that difficult time.
Proceeds from the bag sales will be donated to the foundation to support its work with sick and underprivileged children in the region.
“When [Lidl] said they wanted to come and make an impact on Long Island, not only in the community but also business-wise, they have done that,” Theissen said. “They have donated so many items, foods, toys and gifts to our foundation and this new bag program is going to be amazing.”
Raitses and his family owned the Best Market chain of supermarkets prior to selling to Lidl. And since making the deal, he said they are thrilled with the results.
“Every employee that I’ve spoken to that was formerly a Best Market employee is really excited to be part of the Lidl family,” Raitses said. “The way they have been treated and continue to be treated is exactly how our family wanted them to be treated through the sale.”
“We are elated to serve and be part of this community for decades to come,” he continued.
Scroll down to view photos from Lidl’s ground-breaking ceremony in Deer Park.
Top: Lidl executives and Deer Park community members breaking ground at the new Deer Park Lidl.
