Nov. 23 headlines: The Charlotte grocery store wars heat up with Lidl
“You know what Charlotte needs? Another grocery store chain,” said no one ever.
But it looks like we’re getting another grocer: Lidl is moving ahead with its plans to build a store on South Boulevard, at the current Radio Center property.
Lidl is a low-cost grocer based in Germany. Aldi is also a low-cost grocer based in Germany. Apparently low-cost grocers based in Germany like four-letter names with “d”s and “l”s.
The store would displace apartment residents on the site, as well as businesses like an auto repair shop and a tattoo parlor.
The company also plans to open stores in Mooresville, on Monroe Road, in Lake Norman and Indian Land, bringing Charlotte ever closer to its goal of having at least one grocery store on every corner in Charlotte.
In other headlines …
– You probably saw the #100lovenotes hashtag on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram last Friday. Here’s the beautiful story behind the hashtag.
– A Charlotte company got a no-bid contract to maintain jails in Mecklenburg County. It also gave a decent chunk of money to the sheriff who approved the contract in 1996. Same company: gave some money to Gov Pat, who “personally intervened on the company’s behalf.” Interesting …
– 50 years ago yesterday, bombs exploded outside the homes of four civil rights activists in Charlotte.
– The Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board called an unexplained special meeting for today. The most likely issue is an ongoing dispute between CMS and Veritas charter school over use of the vacant Villa Heights elementary school building.
– “The View From a $37 million streetcar.” Charlotte Magazine editor Michael Graff wrote about the “two Charlottes” for Politico Magazine.
– Imagine breaking a leg and foot at the beginning of a season then winning a championship. That’s what Kyle Busch did yesterday, winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in Florida.
– Cam Newton threw five touchdown passes to help the Panthers move to 10-0. He didn’t have a rushing touchdown, though, so he couldn’t show off some more dance moves. Coach Ron Rivera did a little dab in the locker room, though.
This story was originally published November 22, 2015 at 8:00 PM with the headline "Nov. 23 headlines: The Charlotte grocery store wars heat up with Lidl."