Bethpage-based supermarket chain Best Market is ending its 24-year run by selling all 24 of its Long Island stores to German grocer Lidl.

Lidl operates about 10,500 stores in 29 countries. It established its U.S. headquarters in Arlington County, Virginia, in June 2015.

The company's acquisition of Best Market is part of its push to expand its presence on the East Coast.

"We are excited to expand into many great communities on Long Island and across the New York City area and introduce more customers to our simple and efficient approach to grocery shopping, which will mean high quality and huge savings for more shoppers," Lidl's CEO said in a statement.

Lidl says all current Best Market employees will be able to keep their jobs following the transition. Customers say that's a good thing, but also say the name change and the new German-style grocery chain may take some time to get used to.

The Best Market stores will be remodeled and converted to Lidl stores starting next year.