Germany: Lidl test marketing Express format – reports

Germany: Lidl test marketing Express format – reports

Discount retailer Lidl is working on a new convenience format known as Express, according to an article in ESM quoting Lebensmittel Zeitung.

The concept is reportedly being test marketed in Berlin, combining online ordering with Lidl's traditional bricks-and-mortar retailing. According to the report, Lidl is currently working on the web service to support the new service, which would allow consumers to place an order online and then benefit from a fast checkout in store.

The rumoured development would be Lidl's latest venture in the e-commerce space. In November, it was reported that the German firm was working on an online rollout in Spain, while, in 2015, the discounter unveiled a 'box' delivery service in Germany in a bid to compete with Amazon Pantry. In October of this year, it was first reported that a 'click and collect' service for fresh groceries would begin in Berlin in December.

In the UK, Lidl previously trialled a convenience store format called Lidl Express as far back as 2008, according to an article in RetailWeek.

Source: ESM / RetailWeek