DISCOUNT chain Aldi is expected to open its first store in Maine following the takeover of a former Big Lots location.
The German retailer has agreed a lease on the store at the Pine Tree Shopping Center in Portland.
aldiDiscount chain Aldi is expected to open its first store in Maine[/caption]However so far there’s no opening date for the 25,000 square foot retail space, according to the Portland Press Herald.
The Brixmore Property Group manages the shopping center.
In an email to the Herald, spokesperson Maria Pace said: “We can confirm that we signed a lease with Aldi, contingent upon municipal approval.
“At this time, we do not have any additional information, but would be happy to share updates as we move forward in this process.”
Aldi also remained tight lipped about a possible store in the shopping center.
Chris Daniels, vice president of Aldi’s South Windsor division, which covers Maine said: “As soon as we have information regarding further Aldi expansion in this area, we will reach out,” reported the Herald.
EXPANSION PLANS
Aldi currently has 2,466 locations across the US, according to the retailer’s website.
It plans to increase this by 800 over the next few years, through new stores and store conversions.
The growth is part of a national expansion plan worth more than $9 billion over the next five years.
“Our growth is fueled by our customers, and they are asking for more ALDI stores in their neighborhoods nationwide,” said the company’s 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.”
The former Big Lots store at the Pine Tree site on Brighton Avenue shuttered for good last year, one of hundreds of closures announced following the retailer’s bankruptcy filing last September.
CONTINUED GROWTH
Aldi is also expanding in other areas of the United States.
The chain acquired Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets when it bought parent company Southeastern Grocers in March 2024.
Aldi's Acquisition
Aldi announced it would acquire Winn-Dixie and other stores such as Harveys Supermarkets from Southeastern Grocers in August 2023.
As part of the acquisition, many of the locations will be converted into Aldis.
“We are evaluating which locations will convert to the Aldi format to better support the neighborhoods we’ll now have the privilege of serving,” CEO James Hart said in a statement to the Miami Herald last year.
Several other Winn-Dixies are set to become Aldis, including one in New Orleans, Louisiana, and another in Auburn, Alabama.
The move added around 400 locations to the discount chain’s portfolio, bringing stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi into the Aldi group.
Commenting on the deal when it was announced Aldi CEO Jason Hart said: “The time was right to build on our growth momentum and help residents in the Southeast save on their grocery bills.
“Like ALDI, Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket have long histories and many loyal customers in the Southeast, and we look forward to serving them in the years to come.”
Conversion of the stores is underway and around 50 are expected to open as Aldi this year.
However a number of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets will continue to operate under their own banners.
Meanwhile the chain is coming in for criticism from customers over endless lines at its self-checkout kiosks.
And a new formula for a breakfast staple has left Aldi shoppers disappointed.
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