Lidl leases former Toys ‘R’ Us store in Riverhead

A former Toys ‘R’ Us store in Riverhead has been leased to Lidl, which is planning to open a supermarket at the property.

The 35,000-square-foot retail building on 3.78 acres at 1151 Old Country Road has been vacant since Toys ‘R’ Us closed the location in 2018.

Lidl, the Germany-based grocery chain, has been expanding on Long Island, primarily through its conversion of Best Market stores throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Lidl, which purchased the 27-store Best Market chain in 2018, has locations in West Babylon, East Meadow, East Northport, Oakdale, Patchogue, Lake Grove, Plainview, Huntington and Center Moriches. The supermarket giant plans to eventually open more than 50 stores on Long Island, according to a company statement.

The company expects to open the Riverhead store sometime next year.