Lidl — Local services in Takoma Park

I have been a customer at this location for as long as they've been open. I forget when they opened, so let's say 2+ years. I have to say today was my last day being a loyal customer.

Again, I've been a longtime customer, and today their security/police on duty followed me around the store; I didn't even get to finish my shopping. I know the area isn't the safest; shoplifting may be a concern, but to be treated like a criminal in your own neighborhood is crazy, even after spending hundreds of dollars throughout my weekly grocery trips here. Don't let anyone disrespect you, especially when your money is as good as anyone's money. I don't settle for lower than standard service. I always come with my own reusable bag since they charge for bags, but I'm always out within 20-35 minutes max, and the only reason I'm inside that long is because the lines are so long. There's never more than 2 cashiers open at a time. In short, I'm a pretty easygoing in and out customer, but to a regular loyal customer, having security follow you around the store does make you feel some type of way. Below you can read my honest review besides that incident.

Realistically, the store on a good day is a 2.5- to 3-star store max. Firstly, the lines can get long; there's never more than 2 registers open to top. Maybe implement a self check out. Overall customer service is a 3/5 stars. Cashiers are low energy, but other than that, there is no real conflict with them.

Produce can be better. Personally, I buy cucumbers almost every week. The taste and quality are definitely on the lower side; it tastes like I'm getting watered down cucumber. I also buy red onions, which they don't sell in singles, so I have to buy a bag, which isn't the worst, but the issue is all the red onions in the bags are small as heck. I dont why the chicken, especially in the yellow packaging, is always slimy from the outside; every other product is solid. I suppose I buy almost the same ingredients every week so I can only make comments on the ones mentioned above.

My last remarks would be that this grocery is pretty subpar. The area has gone worst since its opening, with fent users taking over the plaza at one point, and after dark they have the bar/nightclub, which you can't fault Lidl's, but everything considered, I might just buy my food via with Walmart + they charge $10 per month to deliver as many times as you want to your door. I never have an issue with produce selections, meat selections, bakery selections, etc., and a lot of times it could save you money with Walmart's larger inventory. They give pretty-choice selections of different manufacturers so you can compare prices. Walmart lines can get long, but with Plus Membership, you can scan and go on your phone if you need to...

I only shop here occasionally for produce, a few cheese products, organic eggs and Lidl brand Greek yogurt which is quite good. However, I much prefer Trader Joe's which consistently offers superb customer service, as well as, excellent quality for great value.

Over the past year (2021-2022) we've tried many different Lidl products from apples to meat to seafood. The quality isn't there. I'll say it again: THE QUALITY IS NOT THERE. Their idea of customer service is very poor at the 3 stores I've visited. With the stores in Takoma Park and Fairfax being the very worst in my experience.

Many of their specials and sales are deceptive. Look at ounces for cheese, meat and fish "specials" and you'll see what I mean.

The app is a joke. They're not offering their customers "rewards" in any normal sense of shopper rewards. I removed it from my phone when I realized their rewards program is a joke. You can still get the sale price by entering your phone number at check out.

Although they claim to offer a satisfaction guarantee. When I returned a package of sausage (my husband believed a German-owned grocery store would sell excellent sausages made in Germany) the Takoma Park store manager was extremely rude. Btw, their sausage is awful. So are several of their frozen fish products - really bad.

On our recent trip for produce, 2 of the 3 different melons we bought were terrible - zero flavor. That was it for me.

I won't be shopping at Lidl anymore. It's a waste of my...

First and foremost, it needs to be said that Lidl, much like Aldi, is not a normal grocery store. It’s a German-style discount retailer that sells mostly groceries, but also has a rotating assortment of non-food items that change every week. Having lived in Germany for many years, I’ve really come to love these places- you can get most of the everyday essentials here and save a ton of money, and then go to a traditional supermarket for specialty stuff. It’s always a good idea to check the circular online for the week to see what the special offerings are before heading to the store. Though the weekly non-food items are not name brand, in my experience they’re usually pretty decent quality. The same goes for the food- some people complain that the items are ‘off-brand’ but the fact is that a good majority of them are produced by the same companies that make the name-brand versions. The quality is generally very good. This Lidl is great- nice wide aisles, clean and organized shelves, and very helpful staff. They have a guard at the door who makes sure the cart cleaning supplies are kept stocked. The bakery goods are delicious and crazy affordable. I’m so glad they’ve joined the...