In the complex world of urban development, the partnership between CM&B and Lidl stands as a testament to the value of an integrated design approach.
Lidl, a German discount retailer chain, is considered the fastest growing grocery retailer in the world. With over 12,000 stores in 31 countries, they’ve been bullish on building an urban program in New York City.
However recognizing the increased risk that comes along with building in urban locations, Lidl approached CM&B to discuss a different approach from their traditional design/bid/build model. By introducing The CM&B Method, Lidl was able to effectively rollout their urban store program, creating a replicable model that offers efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and predictability across their portfolio.
Integrated Design: A Game-Changing Approach
At its core, The CM&B Method is a comprehensive approach to retail expansion that goes beyond traditional construction management. Combining early engagement, including due diligence and site analysis and ongoing collaboration with design teams, we create a predictable outcome for our clients.
Key Components of the CM&B Method:
- Comprehensive Pre-Development Analysis: Before breaking ground, the team reviews the tenant work letter, conducts thorough site investigations and reviews the store layout to identify cost drivers, long lead times and constructability issues. The goal is to create a holistic understanding of a potential location’s unique challenges and opportunities.
- Cost Transparency and Negotiation: By generating conceptual budgets early in the process, our clients are able to make more informed decisions, drive more responsible lease deals, and ultimately optimize their real estate expansion strategy.
- Collaborative Project Management: By bringing together key stakeholders, including our clients’ leadership teams, design teams, and our in-house construction management experts in a transparent process, we ensure alignment of project objectives from the outset.
Proven Success: Lidl's Transformative Expansion
The partnership with Lidl has achieved extraordinary results, showcasing the ability to reduce unexpected costs, minimize delays, ensure consistent quality, and deliver a predictable construction process. A standout example is Lidl’s location at the Queens Place Mall, where a former DSW store was transformed into a thriving Lidl in the basement of an active shopping center.
“This project presented tremendous challenges, requiring everyone involved to be agile, creative, and ready to pivot at a moment’s notice. When you work so hard on a project for such an extended period alongside so many dedicated people, all striving toward the same goal, the final moment when the ‘doors’ open is truly surreal.” — Madison Tucci, Director of Construction at Lidl US
Wrapping up 2024 strong and celebrating what’s on deck for 2025
We’re wrapping up 2024 on a high note completing Lidl’s first Westchester location in Pelham, NY—another milestone in a year full of exciting new projects for the CM&B New York team.
Looking ahead, we are excited to wrap up pre-construction on Lidl Chelsea, our first Lidl location in Manhattan. We’re also excited to complete their first Brooklyn location, a 35,000-SF store at the Fulton Street Mall, in the former Raymour & Flanigan, around the corner from our Golfzon Social project at 11 Hoyt.
The Future of Retail Expansion
The CM&B Method represents more than a project management technique—it’s a comprehensive strategy that helps our retail clients expand their real estate portfolios with ease.
As retail landscapes continue to evolve, this approach offers a compelling blueprint for brands looking to grow strategically, efficiently, and with less risk.
