https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/09/27/552384150/discount-grocers-aldi-and-lidl-give-u-s-stores-a-run-for-their-money

Read the nearby article about the discount retailers Aldi and Lidl. They are separate companies but operate very similarly.

1. How would you characterize the predominant distribution channels in which they operate? Why does this channel approach work so well for them?

2. How do these companies manage their pricing structures? (Hint: think back to Week 4's discussion of pricing theory - cost and revenue, as well as the new pricing info discussed this week in the first lecture).

3. Ask an engaging question to your classmates related to these stores that could help shed light on why these stores are so successful, or implicaitons for other channels, etc.