Guten Tag! Lidl, German grocer, eyes first US location in Sandy Springs

German grocery chain Lidl is hoping to expand into the United States with two stores planned in Sandy Springs.

Reporter Newspapers revealed that both stores are proposed to bring new life — via adaptive-reuse — to dated and largely abandoned strip centers.

One, which is already making its way through approvals, is slated for the northern edge of the city, near the Chattahoochee River. The second is proposed for a site just north of the new Sandy Springs City Hall and town center complex.

Sketches of the North River location indicate the chain hopes to make a mark in the rather blasé shopping center, with the store featuring a striking two-story arched glass entry.

Construction would require the demolition of the southern portion of the existing center, bringing development much closer to Roswell Road and eradicating nearly 100 parking spaces.

With the tagline “Highest Possible Quality. Lowest Possible Price,” the German supermarket has operated for more than four decades, currently offering 10,000 stores in 27 countries, per the company.

Now, the grocer hopes the Sandy Springs City Council will approve the decrease in required parking.

Grid View

• The North River shopping center could use some new life. Google Maps
• The site plan. via Sandy Springs
• A planting plan for the site. via Sandy Springs
• The west elevation will face Roswell Road. via Sandy Springs
• Elevations. via Sandy Springs

Meanwhile, the Lidl proposal for the site at the northern edge of the city, near the Chattahoochee, will go before the planning commission in a few weeks.

Plans for the southern store aren’t as far along, though with nearly 2,500 new residential units going up in that area, it’s likely Lidl will be aiming for a quick entry into the market.

Could it be more than a coincidence the German grocer is gunning for the new U.S. headquarters of Mercedes-Benz?

• Plans confirm Lidl grocery chain for Sandy Springs shopping center [Reporter Newspapers]
• SRPF A/North River, LLC [Sandy Springs]