The German chain Lidl comes to Ireland offering consumers an alternative to existing supermarkets.
Lidl opens seven stores in Ireland that will operate with the successful format that has worked for the company across Europe.
It's discount shopping as you've never seen it before.
The model for the store is,
No frills, cheap and convenient.
Lidl already has 4,500 stores across Europe including eight in Northern Ireland. Lidl will offer Irish shoppers up to 800 new European food brands.
John Crohan of Supervalu in Athlone says that the arrival of Lidl will cause a price war amongst the major supermarket chains and the smaller players.
Ernest Coltan, Manager of Lidl in Ballinasloe, County Galway outlines what the German chain will offer Irish customers.
Jim Behan of the Athlone Chamber of Commerce gives his reaction to the arrival of the new supermarket chain.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 July 2000. The reporter is Ciaran Mullooly.
