Lidl is opening its first-ever store in Brooklyn

The discount grocery chain is taking over a former Key Food in Park Slope

Lidl, a popular discount grocery chain, is opening its first-ever location in Brooklyn.

The 25,000-square foot store will be the “centerpiece” of a new residential and retail complex at 120 Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, the site of the now-demolished Key Food.

Lidl is known for its low prices on food, home goods and clothing, and its entrance largely alleviates neighbors’ concerns of a high-end grocery chain moving in to replace the former, affordable store. It keeps prices low by selling its own brands and it has developed a cult-like following since coming to the U.S. in 2017.

“The many appealing standard features of Lidl supermarkets, coupled with the lease requirements, fulfill and memorialize the conditions in the cooperation agreement,” Jay Marcus, director of real estate for local nonprofit the Fifth Avenue Committee that was part of the discussions, said in a statement.

In a press release, the developers said local leaders told them that it was their “top priority” to bring a “community-oriented supermarket” to the development and that choosing Lidl is the perfect choice since it’s a “full-scale supermarket that
offers a broad range of quality groceries at affordable prices.”

“The selection of Lidl is a win for our community that would not have been possible without the advocacy of the Community Stakeholder Group (CSG),”said city councilmember Shahana Hanif in the release. “In 2016, the CSG, working with my predecessor, initiated discussions with the project developers to ensure that a full-sized, affordable, high-quality community supermarket replaced the Key Food.”

Dozens of jobs with “leading wages” will be available once it’s open, Lidl said. The Brooklyn location marks its fourth location in the city, with others located in Harlem, Staten Island and Queens.