BATAVIA, Ill. — ALDI, a retailer already known for its rapid growth, has unveiled plans to increase its store count by 800 locations across the country by the end of 2028. The ambitious five-year expansion plan involves opening new stores and converting existing ones.
As part of this expansion effort, ALDI announced that it has completed its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers. Incorporating the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket chains into its operations will help ALDI significantly boost its presence in the Southeast in the coming years.
ALDI said that its low-price strategy will be particularly appealing to new consumers right now, when inflation has made budget-conscious shopping a priority for many consumers.
“Our expansion is driven by the demands of our customers, who want more ALDI locations closer to home,” ALDI chief executive officer Jason Hart said. “We attract new shoppers and retain our loyal base by offering up to 40% savings on groceries, alongside a premium selection of products and a shopping experience that’s fast, simple and enjoyable. Our pledge to open 800 new stores over five years underscores our dedication to meeting our customers’ needs and enriching the communities we enter.”
ALDI is poised to invest over $9 billion in this nationwide expansion, introducing new stores throughout the U.S. The company plans to enhance its footprint in the Northeast and Midwest with nearly 330 new stores by 2028, and to increase its Western presence by expanding in Southern California and Phoenix, and entering markets such as Las Vegas.
“ALDI’s trajectory of opening hundreds of stores annually has been ongoing for over a decade,” Hart said. “This achievement wouldn’t be possible without our committed team members and suppliers who deliver exceptional value and convenience daily. This period of growth presents exciting opportunities for both our teams and suppliers to expand with us.”
The Southeast will account for a significant share of the planned expansion, supported by the acquisition of Southeastern Grocers’ Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket brands. Alongside organic growth, numerous Winn-Dixie and Harveys stores are slated for conversion to ALDI stores in the coming years, with around 50 stores beginning this process in late 2024 and reopening as ALDI locations in 2025. Despite these conversions, a substantial number of stores will continue operating under their original banners, which the company said will ensure a smooth transition and continued delivery of value and service to shoppers.
“With our deep roots in the Southeast, we remain devoted to providing our customers with the best value for their money,” stated Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers. “As we move into this new phase, our focus on quality, service and value will persist.”
“The acquisition brings us closer to customers in the Southeast, a region where we’ve seen strong demand for our affordable, high-quality groceries,” Hart added. “Looking forward, the collaboration between ALDI and the Southeastern Grocers team will be pivotal in propelling our combined success.”
ALDI is one of America’s fastest-growing retailers, serving millions of customers across the country each month. The company says that its “disciplined approach to operating with simplicity and efficiency gives our customers great products at the lowest possible prices,” and the company notes that it has been recognized by the dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index as No. 1 in Everyday Low Price.
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