The Europeans are here and I'd say let the grocery wars begin but it was more of an IKEA / Stu Leonards light look feel and quality. An 89 year old company with 10,000 plus stores is spreading out over the island and renting out closed retail spaces. Bringing European economics and goods with it. Police here to calm the crowds .. in Plainview? The most disaffected shoppers likely in the world. Hahaha. The unions showed up with blow up rats not getting the contracts to build. And lines formed and a DJ played and giveaways included bags and cookie cutters and ornaments for your tree that said Lidl. Hm. Lidl knows how to do a grand opening. Loud music starting at 730 made it fun. It's no Trader Joe's. It's no Fairway. It's no Johns Farm and it's not The old ShopRite. It's smack in the middle of Plainview. Arguably Long islands most demanding consumers. And it brings some loss leaders and discounts on items mixed in with regular items and prices. Kaiser rolls looking too paltry.. hmm proud to be an American and get to a deli.. sourdough bread with thyme.. mm I'll take one of those. And did. Generic items always fun to see and try like no name ketchup and mayo. Salmon on sale sensibly raised... hmm this is wild caught salmon please land. And the savings might or might not matter. Single source chocolate. yum. Lots of it and beyond fairly priced. Win for Madagascar dark chocolate bars. Tasted a sample and would recommend. Apples weren't labeled local. Not cool for New Yorker's who like to buy from their area. Maybe I missed some that were will check again. Go local save small biz and reduce the transport footprint. Regular OJ no fresh squeezed like Best Market or Stu's or Fairway. So a no go for juice. Bob and weave around here for some values on some dairy not all. Some chips and condiments. Most of the cookies were made with Palm oil. Made me think of how overpopulated the world is and how many people need food produced for them. I may be spoiled by the east ends sustainable north fork local produce and vibe. Also right here, the luxury of being in the epicenter of Ivarrone Bros, Johns Farms, Fairway and TJs, but I can appreciate what this store does for millions. It's volume approach will likely be a hit some places. Plainview will be the question. Will it be a hit here? Will see. For now over to TJs for some good cheese and crackers for the holiday then over to Johns for the best selection of imported Pannetone in NY. read more