Aldi plans to open more than 225 stores across the country this year as part of the next phase of its five-year growth strategy.
The openings will include organic growth and conversion of select Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to the Aldi format.
The company plans to convert approximately 220 Southeastern Grocers locations to Aldi through 2027. About 100 converted locations will re-open by the end of this year.
About 170 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores not affected by the conversion will be sold to a consortium including C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers senior leadership and private investors.
Aldi said this divestment allows it to create a focused portfolio in the Southeast as it progresses its expansion plans across the country. The company plans to expand its footprint in the Northeast and Midwest regions, grow presence in the West with more stores in Southern California and Arizona, and enter new communities like Las Vegas.
“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 to operate, and we’re delivering on that promise while also supporting Aldi growth,” said Jason Hart, CEO of Aldi.
“Over the last year, we’ve seen firsthand how C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers and their teams have continued to deliver great quality, service and value to their customers, and we are confident they will lead the company successfully into its next chapter,” he added.
Last year, the chain opened nearly 120 stores, bringing its total store count to more than 2400.
