February 21, 2025 – Discount grocery chain ALDI is making an aggressive push into the U.S. market, announcing the opening of 225 new stores in 2025. This expansion, focused primarily on the Southeast, marks the largest single-year growth in the company’s nearly 50-year history in the U.S. The move is part of ALDI’s broader $9 billion expansion strategy, which includes the conversion of 170 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket locations into ALDI stores.
ALDI had previously outlined a plan to add 800 new locations nationwide by 2028, coinciding with its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners.
Record Expansion in a Cost-Conscious Market
With grocery prices remaining a concern for American households, ALDI’s low-cost shopping model has drawn more consumers. The company claims that 25% of U.S. households now shop at ALDI, a number that has doubled in the past six years.
“This is the most stores ALDI will open in one year as more shoppers than ever look to save up to 36% on an average shopping trip,” the company said in its February 7 announcement.
The retailer also confirmed it has finalized a deal to divest 170 non-converting Winn-Dixie and Harveys locations to a consortium led by C&S Wholesale Grocers, allowing ALDI to focus on converting the remaining stores.
Expansion Beyond the Southeast
In addition to its focus on the Southeast, ALDI plans to expand in the Northeast and Midwest, increase its presence in Southern California and Arizona, and enter new markets like Las Vegas. The company estimates that 100 of the converted Winn-Dixie and Harveys stores will reopen under the ALDI brand by the end of 2025.
CEO Confident in Smooth Transition
ALDI CEO Jason Hart expressed confidence in the company’s growth plan and transition strategy.
“When we announced our acquisition of Southeastern Grocers, we shared that we intended for a meaningful number of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets to continue operating, and we’re delivering on that promise while also supporting ALDI growth,” Hart said.
He emphasized that the ALDI format is key to offering shoppers affordable, high-quality groceries, adding:
“As shoppers continue to feel sticker shock at the checkout, the value ALDI delivers can’t be beat.”
With grocery prices remaining a major concern for many households, ALDI’s low-cost approach could make it an even bigger player in the highly competitive U.S. grocery market.
