Aldi to Open First California Stores in March 2016

Aldi Inc. said it will launch its first stores in Southern California in March 2016, expecting to open approximately 25 stores before July 2016.

Additionally, by the end of 2016, the Batavia, Ill.-based retailer will employ more than 1,100 people to work in its Southern California stores, as well as at the company's regional headquarters and warehouse in Moreno Valley, Calif.

Since opening its first store in 1976, Aldi has achieved measured but steady growth, and today, it operates almost 1,400 stores across 32 states and employs more than 19,000 people. The expansion into California is an integral part of a five-year strategic plan to open 650 new stores across the nation, the retailer noted.

By the end of 2018, Aldi said it expects to operate nearly 2,000 stores, enabling it to offer its fresh, high-quality groceries at everyday low prices to more than 45 million customers each month. To support its expansion plan, Aldi will invest more than $3 billion to pay for land, facilities and equipment.

"At Aldi, we firmly believe that amazing quality can be affordable, and we are excited to bring our small-format, convenient grocery shopping experience to Southern California," said Jason Hart, CEO. "We back up that belief by offering our shoppers great-tasting foods — from fresh produce, meats, dairy and breads to cereals, pastas and wines — at a significant savings compared to the national brands."