What Is the “Lidl Middle”? Why Shoppers Call This Grocery Section a “Never-Ending Treasure Hunt”

I love grocery shopping with a dash of whimsy, which is why you’ll often find me in quirky grocery stores like Lidl. I never know what not-so-hidden gems I’ll uncover! Sure, I bring my list of weekly staples, but I also come to the store ready to explore anything else that may catch my eye (have you checked out those buttery croissants?). 

And let me tell you — the center of the store, affectionately known as the “Lidl Middle,” is where the real fun begins. 

As the name suggests, the Lidl Middle is a series of aisles nestled right in the heart of the store, and is a wonderland of ever-changing non-food items. Every Wednesday, according to the grocer’s website, you’ll find “new surprises,” including clothes, cookware, and more. Think of it as a rotating showcase of seasonal and limited-edition goodies with budget-friendly price tags. 

The answer is refreshingly simple (and aptly named): It’s called the Lidl Middle because it’s right in the center of the store, explains the store manager I spoke with. The clever placement ensures that most shoppers get a chance to pass through, inevitably snagging an item or two on their way out. 

The charm (and, debatably, downfall) of the Lidl Middle lies in its unpredictability; you never know what you’re going to find. On my latest excursion, I stumbled on back-to-school supplies (think: backpacks, notebooks, pens, and pencils), gardening tools, fall-heavy decorations, and even clothes! You really can find almost anything in the Lidl Middle including toys, plants, storage bins, and so on. 

“I buy all of my presents here — birthdays, Christmas, you name it, everyone in my family gets a Lidl Middle gift,” said one shopper I spoke with while another compared it to a “never-ending treasure hunt.” I could’ve wandered there for ages, but knew I was on a time crunch so I snagged a $4 reusable silicone baking sheet and a pack of Luigi’s Italian Ice (for just $2!) from the freezer before I was on my way. 

If you’re thinking this concept sounds familiar, you’re 100% correct. The “Lidl Middle” is strikingly similar to Aldi’s beloved “Aisle of Shame.” Like Lidl, the discount grocer stocks a rotating inventory of limited-edition and seasonal products, aka Aldi Finds, in the center of its stores. New items also drop on Wednesdays and can sell out fast. While the majority of these are non-food items (home decor, storage, apparel, kitchen tools, etc.), you can find a small selection of specialty grocery items, like candies, come Halloween or Valentine’s Day.

1. Shop on Wednesdays: The Lidl Middle gets new items every Wednesday, so that’s when you’ll find the latest treasures (and most items likely in stock). 
2. Don’t sleep on an exciting find: Items come in randomly and once they are gone, they most likely won’t come back until the following year — if at all. If something catches your eye, be sure to grab it.  

What are your favorite finds from the “Lidl Middle”? Tell us about it in the comments below.