Aldi to Open 800 New U.S. Stores

Discount grocer Aldi (Essen, Germany) will grow its presence in the U.S. by opening 800 new stores across the country within the next five years, the company announced Thursday.

The $9 billion expansion plan includes new builds and location conversions of the recently acquired Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets. Fifty stores are planned to be converted this year. Aldi currently operates 2300 stores in the U.S. Among the chain’s offerings are pet food and supplies.

“Our growth is fueled by our customers, and they are asking for more ALDI stores in their neighborhoods nationwide,” Aldi’s CEO Jason Hart said in a statement. “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.”