Aldi to Open More Stores in Atlanta
ATLANTA - Aldi, Inc., the Germany-based grocer known for its limited-assortment discount stores, is opening two more stores in the Atlanta market this week, bringing its total in that area to 11.
The new stores, both 15,150 square feet, open Aug. 26 in Lithonia and Kennesaw, two suburbs of Atlanta, according to press reports.
Aldi, which entered the metro Atlanta market in early 2002, has plenty of room to grow in terms of both geography and market share. It ranks No. 16 in market share in Atlanta, according to Trade Dimensions, while The Kroger Co. and Lakeland, Publix Super Markets, Inc. hold the top two positions, respectively.
Bobby Ochs, Aldi's director of real estate in Atlanta, said in press reports that the retailer plans at least two more stores in the metro area. He added that he expects Aldi to open three to five stores in Atlanta annually.
In related news, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., which currently ranks No. 3 in the Atlanta market, according to Trade Dimensions, has about 12 Wal-Mart stores planned or already under construction in metro Atlanta.
Wal-Mart spokesman Glen Wilkins said in press reports that the Atlanta stores will show some design changes, including "the most urban Wal-Mart in the country" in one supercenter location. That store will be part of a mixed-use development, including a second story of retail shops, apartments, streetscaping, and decked, hidden parking.
The new stores, both 15,150 square feet, open Aug. 26 in Lithonia and Kennesaw, two suburbs of Atlanta, according to press reports.
Aldi, which entered the metro Atlanta market in early 2002, has plenty of room to grow in terms of both geography and market share. It ranks No. 16 in market share in Atlanta, according to Trade Dimensions, while The Kroger Co. and Lakeland, Publix Super Markets, Inc. hold the top two positions, respectively.
Bobby Ochs, Aldi's director of real estate in Atlanta, said in press reports that the retailer plans at least two more stores in the metro area. He added that he expects Aldi to open three to five stores in Atlanta annually.
In related news, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., which currently ranks No. 3 in the Atlanta market, according to Trade Dimensions, has about 12 Wal-Mart stores planned or already under construction in metro Atlanta.
Wal-Mart spokesman Glen Wilkins said in press reports that the Atlanta stores will show some design changes, including "the most urban Wal-Mart in the country" in one supercenter location. That store will be part of a mixed-use development, including a second story of retail shops, apartments, streetscaping, and decked, hidden parking.