Merrifield Plaza became home to the newest location for Lidl, opening on Wednesday, June 30. People flocked to the celebration, where the lucky first 100 customers were given gift cards ranging from $5 to $100. Rumor has it that the line began to form at 3:30 a.m. In addition to the gift card give-away, Lidl unveiled many grand opening specials.

While the hardy shoppers showed up in the wee hours of the morning, an hour after the doors were opened the line still stretched all the way down the sidewalk to Advanced Auto Parts. The excitement was contagious as the DJ pumped the parking lot with upbeat music, and Lidl employees were on hand to assist people with downloading the app and setting the Merrifield location as their home store.

Although the DJ packed up and went home, the balloons deflated, and there is no longer a line to enter the store, the grand opening will continue until July 4, specials are still being offered, and perhaps most importantly, Lidl will donate 50 cents to the Capitol Area Food Bank for every customer who downloads the app and sets Merrifield as their home store between now and then.

So come on out to Merrifield Plaza to see what all the hype is about. If you’ve never visited a Lidl store, you and your pocketbook are in for a treat. Recently ranked as a top 3 U.S. Grocer by USA today Readers’ Choice Awards, Lidl offers savings on a high quality range of products. Besides the high ranking by USA today, Lidl has been recognized by Food & Wine Magazine, and their private label products have won more than 500 awards. Topping that off, the Environmental Protection Agency has recognized Lidl for their environmentally-friendly designs.

But the proof is going to be in the pudding. Until you experience it yourself, you won’t believe the prices, the selection, the freshness of the fruits and vegetables, the bakery items or the Lidl shopping experience.

Welcome to Merrifield, Lidl! And readers, get yourself over there soon.