Providing new markets for seafood at retail, discount grocery Lidl unveiled an aggressive expansion plan in the United States. Additionally, online Asian grocery retailer Weee! received significant funding to continue its nationwide expansion.
Lidl U.S. said it will open 50 new stores by the end of 2021, bringing its total to more than 150 locations.
Lidl will invest more than USD 500 million (EUR 423 million) in the new stores and will create around 2,000 new jobs. The stores will be located in Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Lidl’s competitor, Aldi, which operates 2,000 stores in the U.S., also recently said it would open 70 stores by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, Asian e-grocer Weee! Raised USD 35 million (EUR 30 million) in Series C financing led by DST Global, which will “further accelerate the company's nationwide expansion and recruitment efforts,” the company said in a press release.
Weee! offers a wide selection of fresh produce, seafood, meat, and pantry staples, delivered “at peak freshness and priced lower than or comparable to offline stores,” the retailer said.
"We welcome DST Global as investors and look forward to the partnership as we serve more communities nationwide and continue providing convenient and affordable access to groceries," Weee! Founder and Chief Executive Officer Larry Liu said. "We're excited to further demonstrate our commitment to a higher standard of quality through direct sourcing, merchandising expertise, and industry-leading inventory turnover.”
Weee! operates coast-to-coast in eight key regions, and this summer added San Diego, California; Portland, Oregon; and New York, New York.
“Weee! anticipates its east coast debut to propel its momentum and rapidly bring the service nationwide,” it said.
Photo courtesy of Lidl
