Lidl resumes work at long-delayed downtown Bethesda store (Photos)

Does Lidl rhyme with idle? The German grocery chain's future downtown Bethesda store at 7625 Old Georgetown Road at Bethesda Place appeared to be nearing completion last fall, with shelving and other displays installed. But work suddenly ceased, and the store has sat idle since. There were a number of rumors circulating to explain the delay, none of which have been confirmed. In fact, Lidl declined to respond at all when I contacted its corporate office. Then, last Wednesday, a forklift was seen driving around inside the store, and workers began moving a new large display island into place.

By yesterday, a number of additional items had been installed, including new interior signage. A small Lidl display with a brand logo was visible inside the Old Georgetown Road vestibule of the store, of the type that might hold weekly store advertising circulars for customers to pick up as they enter. Bethesda still doesn't appear on the chain's Grand Openings page, but the activity suggests it will soon.