Grocery Chain Lidl Bumps Hourly Pay To $15 At Philly-Area Stores

PHILADELPHIA — Hourly workers at a popular grocery chain in the Philadelphia area will be getting a wage increase next month.

The German grocery chain Lidl announced Thursday that starting April 5, all hourly employees in the Philadelphia area will make $15 an hour.

Lidl operates seven stores in the Philadelphia area.

The are located in Folsom, Royersford, Norristown, Lansdale, Exton, in Philadelphia where the chain has two stores.

More than 150 employees will see their pay increase.

This new starting wage is more than double the current minimum wage in Pennsylvania.

"Lidl is proud to offer our team members across the Philadelphia area the most competitive wage and benefits package in the region including comprehensive healthcare for all full and part time employees," said Eoin Byrne, Chief Human Resources Officer at Lidl US. "We are committed to supporting our team in every market with an industry leading total compensation package that also includes great benefits, such as a 401K retirement plan with a generous company match, so they can be at their best and serve our customers."

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney commended the wage increase, saying the $15/hour wage recognizes the "dignity of work by paying their employees a living wage."

"We welcome and greatly appreciate Lidl's commitment to the company's Philadelphia-area employees with this exciting announcement," said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. "Raising wages, especially during a time of economic challenges, is one of the most straightforward ways to help working families and move our economy forward. As Lidl demonstrates with this commitment, raising wages is not just good for workers, it's good for business. We encourage other employers to follow their lead."

For two years running, Food & Wine Magazine has recognized Lidl as a Top 10 Grocer in the country.