German discount grocer Lidl opened its first U.S. stores in June and work is under way to build several in New Jersey.
The company plans to open about 100 stores along the East Coast, creating about 5,000 jobs, by next summer.
Its first 20 U.S. stores will open in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina this summer.
Lidl already runs 10,000 stores in 26 European countries and employs 230,000.
In New Jersey, Lidl is planning stores in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cumberland and Gloucester counties, as well as other spots around the state.
Cumberland County officials have already approved plans for three stores there. Construction on the Vineland store began in January.