Ahead of its launch across the Atlantic in just over two weeks, German retailer Lidl has announced the locations of its first US supermarkets.

It will roll its stores out across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virgina.

9 outlets will open on June 15th - and according to Business Insider 11 more will open during the summer months.

This will pit it against Aldi and Trader Joes. Those two companies were once owned by the same family before two brothers split them into separate businesses in the 1960s.

According to the report, that figure is set to rise to almost 100 by the middle of next year and the company has ambitions to open up to 600 US outlets.

Aldi currently has 1,600 stores in 35 US states.

All three brands follow the same model, offering a no-frills shopping experience, focusing on low prices and own-label goods.

According to the latest Kantar World Panel figures Lidl has a 11% market share in Ireland, compared to Aldi's 11.3%.