I own my own computer business so I enjoy writing the bulk of my articles on things related to the c...
I own my own computer business so I enjoy writing the bulk of my articles on things related to the computer industry. Because I have access to a large number of components I am able to make sensible, reasoned opinions of most products.
Member since:06.09.2000
Reviews:106
Members who trust:8
I can see from the general opinions posted on Ciao that I am leaving myself open to attack from my opinion on Lidl because it differs so much from everyone elses, however the whole point of this site is that people give their own personal opinions however they differ.
I hadn't heard of Lidl until they started popping up a few years ago. There are 2 stores in the vicinity of me.
For those who don't know Lidl is a very discount supermarket that originated in Germany. They are very much a cheap price orientated store, the kind of place where you pick up cans if beans and things for 6p etc etc... A similar example would be Aldi.
A lot of people will label me a food snob for my opinion on Lidl and that is fair enough I suppose, however I think that there is a difference between liking brand names and top quality and being a food snob.
As I have just stated I like my brand names. I like things by Heinz, McVities, Coca-Cola etc.. and I also like my supermarkets own brand (Somerfield). I don't believe people who say that the name on the outside of the can makes no difference to the things inside the can. I have friends who have shopped at Lidl, Aldi, Netto etc.. in the past and im afraid that there is a distinct difference in quality. You get what you pay for and thats why i'd rather pay a bit more at Somerfield for my brand names than save a bit of money but get cheap and in my opinion lower quality goods from Lidl.
Lidl is very much budget orientated. You cannot pay by credit card there, you pay for the carrier bags and also they have far fewer staff than the bigger supermarkets so you get lower customer service. For example you are likely to only see 1 checkout open in Lidl with a massive queue of people when in other supermarkets they would open more checkouts to get the queues down, mainly because they have the staff.
If you have a choice and you like your brand names then I suggest that you steer clear of Lidl. They don't have any brand names whatsoever there and the food is of in my opinion lower quality. It does have it's uses im sure for people who can't afford bigger brand names but im sorry it's just not for me.
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Comments about this review »
gaenor 26.04.2003 23:02
Sorry for the low rating, but your information is not correct. I've seen many 'named' brands in my Lidl store (ie Weetabix, Heinz Beans, Walkers Crisps etc).
I've also found the quality of the items I've tried to be very good.
Dizz 30.03.2001 00:59
It's very true what you say about the lack of staff - the queues at the check outs are always miles long!
john.sw 18.02.2001 16:01
In our local Lidl they sell Heinz, Nestlé, etc. alongside their own brands. We have found that many Lidl own brand items, such as ground coffee (67p cheaper than Tesco) are just as good quality as elsewhere, and some, such as Lidl ice cream and Extra Virgin Olive Oil are not only cheaper, but far better quality than our other supermarket. We have not tried every item on sale, but have not yet had any reason for complaint, or bought any item that we considered to be of a lower quality than elsewhere.
Feb 18th, 2001
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