Aldi to expand in the Gulf Coast

Aldi, a major player in private label, has announced plans to greatly expand its number of stores in 2022. The grocery chain will open 150 stores nationwide by the end of this year, highlighted by expansions in the Gulf Coast region. 

Among midwestern, northeastern and national shoppers, Aldi was ranked the third most-trusted grocery chain according to Newsweek Magazine and BrandSpark International. The 2022 expansion follows Aldi opening 1,000 new stores in the previous decade.

“There is nothing like watching shoppers discover Aldi for the first time,” said Jason Hart, CEO of Aldi U.S. “There’s a moment of surprise when they realize just how much they can save by shopping with us. We can’t wait to share that experience with more customers as we add new stores across the Southeast.”

A major highlight of the continued expansion is Aldi’s arrival to Louisiana, which will be its 38th state of operation. Aldi’s Lafayette location will open on Feb. 10, and the company plans to open two more stores in early March, and 20 more in the region by the end of the year.

Aldi will also open a new 564,000-square-foot regional distribution center in Loxley, Ala. later this year. The facility will eventually support as many as 100 new stores throughout Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida panhandle. Aldi plans to hire approximately 300 store associates and 200 warehouse associates to support its growth in the area.

Along with new stores, Aldi plans to increase its online shopping options. The grocer will expand its curbside pickup option from 1,200 to 1,500 stores by the end of the year.