Group 1: Global Retail Rankings - In the NRF Top 50 Global Retailers 2025 list, Aldi ranks 4th with revenues of $155 billion and 13,877 stores, while its former protégé, Schwarz Group, ranks 3rd with revenues of $182 billion and 14,244 stores [1] - The Schwarz Group has recently opened a new store format, Lidl Home&Living, which does not sell food, attracting industry attention [1] Group 2: History and Business Model of Aldi - Aldi's history dates back to 1913 when the Albrecht family opened a small grocery store in Essen, Germany, focusing on high cost-performance products post-World War II [2] - The minimalist business model adopted by Aldi, which emphasizes a limited selection of non-perishable goods, has reduced inventory pressure and increased turnover, laying the foundation for future expansion [2] Group 3: History and Expansion of Lidl - Lidl was established later than Aldi, with its first discount store opening in 1973, focusing on a limited SKU count and a small store size to reduce costs [3][4] - Lidl's international expansion began in the 1990s, starting in France, where it adopted a strategy of local sourcing and reduced SKU counts to enhance efficiency and brand recognition [5] Group 4: Lidl's Strategy in the U.S. Market - Upon entering the U.S. market in 2017, Lidl adjusted its product strategy to include more local brands and fresh products to cater to American consumer preferences [6] - Lidl's marketing efforts in the U.S. emphasized high cost-performance and selected products, which helped quickly raise brand awareness despite initial high market investment pressures [6] Group 5: Lidl's Non-Food Store Format - Lidl has opened its first 100% non-food store in Germany, showcasing its own brand products across various categories, indicating a strategic shift towards non-food retailing [12] - The store layout includes a significant portion dedicated to DIY tools, furniture, and kitchen appliances, aiming to create a comprehensive non-food product ecosystem [12][13] Group 6: Competitive Landscape - Lidl's self-brand products occupy over 80% of its shelf space, reflecting a strategy that prioritizes high cost-performance over brand loyalty among consumers [7] - The rise of specialized non-food competitors like Action and Tedi poses a challenge to traditional supermarket models, prompting Aldi and Lidl to adapt their business strategies [13][14] Group 7: Industry Trends - The retail landscape is shifting from large supermarkets to smaller, more specialized stores, with a notable decline in large chain store numbers globally [9][10] - Younger consumers are increasingly favoring online shopping and local convenience stores, leading to a decrease in foot traffic to large supermarkets [11]