Lidl is one of the most successful grocery chains in all of Europe. Successful? How about over…read more10,000 stores? Lidl is a German surname, which is used instead of Schwarz, the corporate name . They really couldn't call it Schwarz, because that word means 'black' in German, and 'black market' broadcasts all sorts of criminal connotations. So Lidl it is, 10,000+ stores later. There is a Lidl in Wildeshausen, Germany, where I did some grocery shopping today. First impressions are that this store is neat, clean, spotless, and antiseptic. The shelves are beautifully faced up, and I noticed busy employees efficiently working to keep things that way. It has the look of a Food4Less, but none of the problems usually noticed in that store. Along the first aisle from the entry, there is a floor-to-ceiling wall of plexiglas drawers containing dozens and dozens of baked goods, from cookies to full loaves of fresh baked bread. A customer can manipulate his choice sideways to a slide using a plastic handle, and it zooms right down into your store-supplied plastic bag. Amazing. The merchandise selection is not necessarily comprehensive at Lidl. For example, instead of 4 or 5 brands of butter, there are just 2. And yet there is a full aisle of soft drinks, and the selection of wine is mind-boggling. Beer, too. (You can tell where I spent some quality time.) Prices and selection for staple foods like coffee are really good. Lidl's business model is incredibly successful, no question. But why over-describe it? Lidl has announced it will land on our shores in 2018. The Germans are coming ! Actually, Aldi has already arrived in Vista, and Chula Vista is opening soon. The grocery store wars are going nuclear, and the customer will reap the beneficial fallout.

Some Aldi locations seem a bit shopworn. Not this one. The storefront is bright and inviting, and…read morethe signage is the latest version. It is a very up-to-date location. Inside, it's typically ALDI, in Germany, anyway. Well stocked shelves, and all very nicely faced up. Prices are competitive. Good management and basically a good company. I'm a fan.

IKEA meets World Market. There you have it, but of course, on a much smaller scale than IKEA (What…read moreisn't?). About the same size as the World Market in Grossmont Center. Located on the busy Westring Strasse, DB features very interesting merchandise, including an impressive assortment of both imported and regionally handmade products. I noticed many new solar-powered products for the home and solar gadgets for the yard. I was tempted, but packing that stuff? Anyway, prices in general are quite moderate. This is a great place to shop. There are no prepared food products sold here, but one will find a few assorted jams and jellies in small jars. My wife bought several items for her son's home here in Wildeshausen. I'm a fan.

Cost Plus in Germany, and with a way better name ! Such an excellent variety of virtually any sort…read moreof handmade or imported item, much like Cost Plus. One major difference is that this store has an upstairs with even more merchandise ! This is a very popular shop in Bremen, Germany, and one that any visitor to the area ought to experience.

Unbelievable! What a fantastic concept Tredy Fashions is. Most fashions are in the 25-40 euro…read morerange, and they have funky layering pieces that create many up to date looks. From what I understood (which admittedly was very little, since I dont speak German), is that the fashions are imported from Turkey. For 200 euro, I got excellent service, ongoing non-intrusive suggestions, and 7 mix and match pieces. There is a wide variety of sizes as well - size 36-46. This was bar-none, one of my best shopping experiences. There are so many ways to wear and layer these pieces. I went as far to see how much it would be to franchise one of these in Calgary, but it was too rich for my pocketbook. :)

I had a blast shopping at Tredy in Bamberg, Germany. It was the only shop where I bought any…read moreclothes for myself. Any chance of the store coming to the USA?