Aldi accelerates expansion with more than 180 new stores slated for 2026 The grocer’s rapid growth could push its store count above Kroger.

Retail Brew ^ | Jan 12th, 2026 | Erin Cabrev

[Cronos]

Entering its 50th year stateside, Aldi is hitting the ground running by breaking ground this year on a host of new locations.

The discount grocer today announced footprint expansion plans that could push it to become the nation’s second-largest supermarket in terms of store count. It also said it would improve its supply chain operations and ecommerce experience, reaching a total investment of $9 billion over five years by 2028.

Aldi will open more than 180 new stores this year, bringing its footprint to ~2,800 amid its goal to reach 3,200 stores by 2028. It’ll debut in Portland, Maine—its 40th state—along with 10 new stores in Phoenix, Arizona (with 40 planned for 2030). Aldi will also double its Las Vegas footprint—where it opened four stores in 2025—by 2030, and open 50 stores in Colorado over the next five years.

On the back of its Southeastern Grocers deal, it’ll convert 80 of the grocer’s locations into Aldi stores, building on the 90 it’s already converted, and will change more than 200 by 2027.

The growth comes after a slew of new store openings last year, including 18 on a single day in December. Aldi is the third-largest grocery chain in the US in terms of store count, behind Kroger at 2,700 and Walmart with more than 5,000. But with the expansion plans, Aldi could be neck and neck with Kroger—which itself is closing 60 locations by year’s end—for the No. 2 spot.

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TOPICS: Business/Economy
KEYWORDS: aldi; food; groceries

[ifinnegan]

Are you sure you’re talking about Aldi?

[FreedomPoster]

I strongly prefer Lidl over Aldi. If you have them in your area, check them out. Great fresh croissants in the bakery.

[Trumpette1954]

We are getting one of those new Aldi’s which is supposed to open later this year. We shop Walmart and Publix. Publix is getting more expensive and “international” with all these new foreign brands and organic stuff. We go for the BOGOs on the product we do use.

[KingLudd]

“One in my town is so busy I never go in there.”

AI: The famous Yogi Berra quote is: “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.

“This classic “Yogi-ism” is a playful contradiction. It points out the absurdity of a place becoming so popular and packed with people that it’s no longer enjoyable to visit.

[dforest]

GMO and frankenfood there. Of course, most stores have that stuff now.

[Sacajaweau]

I shop there all the time. It's right around the corner. Wagu ground beef this week...$4,99/lb. It's awesome.

All their meats are excellent and cheaper than anyone else.

[MoraBlack]

As far as i know it’s just that Trader Joe’s is owned by Aldi Nord, while Aldi US is owned by Aldi Süd. Aldi Nord and Aldi Nord are two separate chains.

[quantim]

“...The logical streamlined approach to a food market approach...”

Right there is the main reason we go to Aldi frequently. The Aldi store is in the same strip mall as a huge Meijer store sharing the same large footprint as the Walmart across the street. The parking in of itself at the big boxes along with huge inside layout just is not worth it most of the time. If one just wants to grab the basics like coffee cream, frozen veggies, some produce etc. there is no reason to go anywhere else.

I celebrate the free market and this is a good example.

[bantam]

Then shop smarter, be more discerning in choices.
Yes, like any store there’s a lot of crap with chips and cakes, but if you stick to meat, bread, cheese, fish, vegetables, fresh and or frozen, it’s an excellent store with excellent prices compared to other big box stores.
Like anything out there, people are gonna love them. People are gonna hate them, but in our household, we love Aldi.

[Freee-dame]

Aldi brand foods do not have any artificial coloring or MSG, which has about 60 different names to hide it.

[Sacajaweau]

Ours is far from a “poor” demographic.

[Clutch Martin]

“I’ve only shopped two different Aldi’s and it’s mostly crap food, lots of highly processed, additive filled, make you sick quicker. Also not much selection other than their brands.”

That has been my observation as well. I had an experience where their vacuum packed meat actually stunk when I opened up the vacuum seal. The fresh fruits and vegetables are usually pretty good though.

[jmaroneps37]

Here in South Florida Aldi is the place to go. At least 15% cheaper on most items and their specialty ice for just 4.99 is better than every other except Mayfield.

[MoraBlack]

Aargh.Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd are separate.

[Rockingham]

I go to a local shopping center that has a Publix and a neighborhood Walmart, with a Target, another Publix, and a meat specialist nearby. Two trips a week and Amazon take care of ninety percent of my shopping.

[NorthernDancer]

I’m sorry to see our local Winn Dixie close this month and be replaced with an Aldi half it’s size, in about a year. I’ve heard that Aldi isn’t offering jobs to any of the ataff, some of whom I’ve known from 25 years. We don’t have many other local options, so I may be making frequent drives to Publix 40 mikes away.

[DeplorableTrumpSupporter]

Our beautiful Winn Dixie is becoming an Aldi. The store was a Sweetbay with a round front it will be flat instead and half the store will be divided. Winn-Dixie has another store that is staying a W-D.

Aldi is okay, but we like W-D, Publix and The Fresh Market...

[Red Badger]

We have four here!...............

[Red Badger]

“Nobody goes there any more. It’s too crowded.” - Yogi Berra..............

[ronniesgal]

I think I’m the only person who does not like Aldi.