USA – Aldi is preparing for its biggest expansion year yet, with plans to open more than 225 new stores across the United States in 2025.
The German discount supermarket chain announced that the expansion will come from both organic growth and the conversion of select Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations.
The news follows Aldi’s decision to sell approximately 170 stores that were not part of its conversion plans to a consortium including C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers senior leadership, and private investors.
Aldi stated that this move would allow it “to create a focused conversion portfolio in the Southeast as it progresses its expansion plans across the country.”
The company will also open stores in the Northeast, Midwest, and West, including its first locations in Las Vegas. By the end of 2025, nearly 100 stores from Southeastern Grocers will have transitioned to Aldi’s format.
Last year, Aldi opened just over 100 stores, strengthening its position as the third-largest grocery retailer in the country by store count. The company’s aggressive expansion strategy signals confidence in physical retail, even as some competitors continue to close locations.
Expanding despite industry trends
The decision to add more locations contrasts with the widespread store closures seen in recent years. Reports indicate that brick-and-mortar store shutdowns increased by 69 percent in November 2024 compared to the previous year.
Many retailers have struggled with changing consumer habits, inflation, and the lasting effects of the pandemic.
Despite this, several companies are actively expanding. Dollar General and Dollar Tree have the most significant growth plans, with a combined 1,300 stores expected by the end of the fiscal year.
Other retailers, such as Costco, Target, and Barnes & Noble, have also announced new openings for 2025.
Walmart U.S. CEO John Furner shared insights into the company’s approach, stating, “In the next five years, Walmart is planning to build or convert more than 150 stores, while simultaneously continuing our program to remodel existing stores.”
“These efforts represent millions of dollars in capital investment of labor, supplies, and tax revenue, which benefit their respective communities. And they’ll help us reach and serve even more customers.”
TJX CEO and President Ernie Herrman emphasized the appeal of in-store shopping, saying, “With our flexibility and opportunistic buying, we offer expansive assortments of good, better and best merchandise for shoppers across a broad range of income and age groups.”
“We continue to attract new Gen Z and millennial shoppers to our stores, which we believe bodes well for our future growth. It’s really great when we see multiple generations shopping our stores together.”
Meanwhile, 7-Eleven has revealed a mixed strategy, planning to close over 400 stores worldwide while adding 500 fast-casual food locations in North America by 2027.
As Aldi expands its U.S. presence, the company is positioning itself to compete more aggressively with established supermarket chains while reinforcing the importance of physical retail in a changing economic landscape.
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