Lidl Eyes Opening First US Stores In Summer 2017

German discount retailer Lidl plans to open its first 20 stores in the US in summer 2017. Earlier than what the company previously announced, the store openings are expected to ramp up to reach 100 stores within a year. US retailers are expectedly enhancing their ability to compete with the discounter, with Kroger, for example, expanding its Ruler Foods discount business, while organic food retailer Whole Foods launched its 365 lower-priced concept in 2016.