Amidst repeated waves of store closures for several major retailer brands, Aldi has announced that it will be adding 800 new grocery stores by 2028. According to a Thursday announcement, Aldi will be either building or expanding stores in the Northeast and Midwest, as well as the West and Southern California.
A changing shopping culture and economy have both transformed the way retailers have had to structure themselves, from rapidly extending holiday sales dates to shutting down hundreds of brick-and-mortar stores. So, what are Aldi’s plans in the face of this trend?
Aldi announces plans to open and grow 800 stores by 2028
Aldi is starting its plans to open and expand hundreds of stores within the next five years by concentrating efforts on 50 stores. These locations are expected to begin the conversion process by the second half of 2024. This particular conversation process will see Winn-Dixies and Harveys locations across the Southeast change over to Aldi. This was made possible because Aldi acquired Southeastern Grocers, which is the parent company of both those chains.
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“Our growth is fueled by our customers, and they are asking for more Aldi stores in their neighborhoods nationwide,” said CEO Jason Hart. “With this commitment to add 800 stores in the next five years, we’ll be where our shoppers need us while positively impacting the communities we serve.”
While many chains are closing their doors, Aldi has ambitious plans to open more
As of last summer, SupermarketNews.com ranks Aldi as the 13th-largest U.S. grocer. This is in sharp contrast to the rankings, records, and fortunes of other major brands out there. Finance Buzz posted its list of which retailers had the most locations closing in 2024 and those that made the final cut include some pretty big names.
By 2026, Foot Locker plans on closing some 400 locations. As part of a major downsizing effort, Rite Aid will close 200 locations after filing for bankruptcy. Bed Bath & Beyond was hit particularly hard and closed the last of its 360 remaining locations.
Walmart did end up closing some 20 stores in 2023 and cited poor performance, but has weathered most of the hard times that hit luxury brands particularly hard by keeping prices at inviting levels for all economic statuses.
