NEWPORT NEWS-The Germany-based discount grocery chain Lidl is permanently closing one of its Peninsula locations.
Local Lidl fans won’t be happy, but the rumors are true. Known for its “suspiciously low-priced groceries, puzzling prices, and undeniable quality,” Lidl has decided to close one of its stores in Newport News later this summer.
Chandler Spivey, public relations manager with Lidl, said on July 19 that after a thorough review of its store network, the company made the difficult decision to close the Newport News store located at 11076 Warwick Blvd., effective July 31. The store originally opened in August 2017.
“This was an underperforming location that was selected under our very early real estate criteria that we have since optimized,” said Spivey in an email message. “This strategic decision will allow us to focus on the successful growing store network we have in Virginia. We are working closely with all employees impacted by this decision, and every team member will be offered a position with Lidl at another store within Lidl’s growing store network. We hope to see our customers at our other Hampton Roads locations.”
Lidl currently has 33 stores in Virginia including nine in Hampton Roads. After the closing of its location on Warwick Boulevard, there will be two remaining Lidl stores for shoppers on the Peninsula: one in Hampton located at 2000 West Mercury Blvd. and another also in Newport News at 11880 Jefferson Ave. At one point, Lidl also had plans to open a store in York County, but that deal fell through.
This is very disappointing. There is so little neighborhood retail on the south Warwick corridor. It was one of my favorite places to shop.