WMBCTV: What could this new supermarket mean for the community?

The rain didn’t stop residents from joining in on the grand opening for Lidl in Livingston. A newly-built supermarket that’s making its way around the states.

“Lidl started down in Washington D.C. and has expanded up to New Jersey and down to Atlanta,” said Christopher Evans, District Manager of Lidl.

With this new option, the community members say they are happy to have variety in not only their store options, but also in their grocery assortment and affordability.

“Well, I think it’s great,” said Al Anthony, Mayor of Livingston. “It’s another choice in town, you know, everyone needs groceries and food but it also gives a great variety, choices and discounts.”

David Hummer, Resident of Livingston, also said, “It gives you a wider range of some different items. European style items. I think it’s good for the community.”

On this first day, it was even a family affair to check out what the new store offers.

“I am excited, are you excited? Yes? We are excited. It gives us a new opportunity, a new place to shop with a great selection of stuff,” said Levana Deorha, Resident of West Orange, as she held her son.

Not only are community members saying they are excited about this new supermarket option in town, but the store manager also says that it may open new opportunities for local employment.

“We have a total of 26 staff members. All hired over the summer from the local towns and the neighborhood,” said Nunzia Betro, Lidl Store Manager. “You could make a good career if you’re looking for a long-term career. Definitely helped me because that’s how I started. It creates a great network. Made very good friends with some of my colleagues.”

Corporate employees for Lidl say New Jersyans can expect more locations to pop up throughout the state, where they say shoppers can get discounted groceries as more than 80% of consumers in America say they have noticed a jump in the cost of groceries over the past year, according to Intuit Credit Karma.