DALLAS, TX - Lidl is making strides in its planned expansion into the U.S. and laying the groundwork for a series of store openings in the crowded North Texas market.

According to a report from news source The Dallas Morning News, the German-based grocer has begun purchasing sites and seeking approvals from local municipalities. The News’ investigation revealed a half dozen locations where Lidl has purchased land or made planning and zoning requests.

Records indicate that the company has already spent more than $10 million on land purchases. Targeted cities include: Little Elm, Frisco, McKinney, North Richland Hills, Rockwall, Wylie, and Dallas.

As we previously reported, the retailer recently accelerated its planned 2018 U.S. expansion, announcing that it would open an initial 20 stores as early as summer of 2017.

The News also quoted Dallas City Councilman Casey Thomas’ Facebook page—where the Councilman noted that the Summit Parc area in his southwest Dallas district "will get the first Lidl grocery store in Texas."

While Lidl has made concrete announcements about planned locations throughout the East Coast, information about locations further west have been less forthcoming.

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on developments as the retailer nears its U.S. launch.

Lidl