Lidl reveals grand opening date for its new McLean grocery

Get ready, McLean: Lidl is about to make its debut.

As promised, the German grocer known for its low prices will welcome customers to its newest store this summer, with a grand opening celebration on June 1, the company announced today (Friday).

“McLean residents have been looking forward to the opening of the Lidl grocery store for some time because of its reputation for high-quality products at discount prices,” Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust said in the press release. “Congratulations to Lidl on the opening and welcome to the wonderful community of McLean.”

Located at 1330 Chain Bridge Road, Lidl takes the place of McLean’s Safeway, which closed in April 2021. The store will operate from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day going forward.

Launching with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:40 a.m., the grand opening celebration will include “special giveaways,” samples, a raffle for a $500 gift card, and gift cards ranging in value from $5 to $100 for the first 100 customers.

Lidl says it has also partnered with the local food bank, Share of McLean, to donate $1 during that first week through June 5 for every customer who signs up for its myLidl rewards program and sets the McLean location as their home store.

According to the release, Lidl invested about $10 million in renovating the site, its 34th in the U.S. The new store will create more than 45 new jobs, and all workers start at $16 per hour with benefits — including healthcare coverage for both full-time and part-time employees.

“Lidl has a long commitment to Virginia,” Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr said, referencing the company’s choice of Arlington as its U.S. headquarters. “This McLean store will be their 34th in Virginia and their $10 Million investment will bring affordable food and groceries to families across the region. We greatly appreciate all they do for the communities they serve.”

Since establishing its Crystal City base in June 2015, Lidl has focused on expanding its presence along the East Coast, opening more than 150 stores across nine states.

The news of an opening date in McLean comes shortly after Lidl confirmed to FFXnow that it has plans for a Tysons location at Pike 7 Plaza. The company already has stores in Merrifield, Fairfax, Lincolnia, Burke, and Springfield, and new Lorton and Chantilly franchises are also in the works.

“We are excited to see Lidl continue to expand its presence in Fairfax County,” Fairfax County Economic Development Authority President and CEO Victor Hoskins said. “With the opening of its McLean store, Lidl continues to help strengthen our economic base and enhance the vibrancy of our community.”

The new Lidl will be accompanied by Big Buns Damn Good Burgers and Matchbox Pizza, but there’s no word yet on when those eateries will open.