DANVILLE, Va. – The first Lidl grocery store in southwest Virginia is now open.
The store opened in Danville Thursday morning.
Mayor John Gilstrap spoke, thanking the company for coming to Danville, and then he, Vice Mayor Alonzo Jones, Councilman James Buckner and company representatives cut the ribbon to officially open the store.
Over 100 people were waiting in line for hours ahead of the opening.
The first 100 customers got gift cards worth various amounts.
Wanda Motley and her neighbor were the first two customers in line and had been waiting since 4 a.m.
"There was an ad in the paper and we always go to grand openings, so we said we'd just stop by and see what they're having," Motley said.
She received a $100 gift card and a bouquet of flowers.
Company spokesperson Chandler Ebeier said convenience was the biggest factor for the company.
"Lidl really works to make sure we're opening in epicenters of the cities. We're trying to make the most convenient shopping experience for our customers," Ebeier said.
The store is the company's 11th in Virginia.