With 13 stores now in Arizona and nearly 130 in Texas, the Aldi discount supermarket chain has emerged as the fastest growing supermarket chain in the U.S., according to industry statistics, with plans to build upwards of 800 new stores in the next three years.
Based in Essen, Germany, the company was founded in 1962 but has seen an explosion of growth in the last two decades, resulting in now more than 12,000 stories worldwide.
That location growth, notes the publication Supermarket News, is partly due to an increase in foot traffic that last year hit the 30% mark, roughly double the number achieved by industry giant Dollar Tree, winning customers particularly owing to its less expensive Aldi exclusive brands.
Aldi had opened more than 2,400 stores as of last year, and with plans for the ongoing expansion, it will easily surpass 3,000 by 2028. That growth rate, notes USA Today, exceeds their “typical annual growth rate of around 100.”
In a statement, Jason Hart, chief executive officer of Aldi, said the company’s growth is “fueled by our customers, and they are asking for more Aldi stores in their neighborhoods nationwide.”
Altogether, Aldi expects to spend upwards of $9 billion between now and 2028 building new stories nationally, particularly increasing its presence in the Midwest and both Arizona and California.
Late last year, the company also announced plans to build three new locations in metro Las Vegas.
Aldi’s stores typically measure between 17,800 and 18,000 square feet, with 10,000 square feet comprising sales space. Those stores are also known for their minimalism, with no suspended ceilings or wall coverings behind the shelves and aluminum walls.
Work began late last year on the construction of a new Aldi’s in Casa Grande, Arizona. That new store will measure just over 20,400 square feet and is expected to be open for business by September.
February 7, 2025
By Garry Boulard
Photo courtesy of Aldi
