Aldi Planning AZ Distribution Center

Hard-discount grocery chain Aldi doesn’t have any stores in Arizona -- yet.

The retailer’s plans to construct a distribution center in the Grand Canyon State would suggest that it plans to open for business there as part of its plan to open 900 new stores over the next five years.

Batavia, Ill.-based Aldi expects to build a regional office and distribution center in the Phoenix suburb of Goodyear, according to a report in the Arizona Republic. Aldi is reportedly in the process of acquiring land for the project, which is expected to create more than 130 jobs within its first six years of operation.

The retailer would not confirm plans to open stores in Arizona, telling the Republic that it is exploring opportunities in the state as well as other areas across the country.

In recent years, Aldi has made a push into Southern California, where its nearest stores to Phoenix are currently located.

Last month, the company announced plans to reach 2,500 locations by 2022, a move that would give it a total store count rivaling The Kroger Co., the nation’s largest traditional grocer.