Aldi Plans for 2.5K U.S. Stores by Late '22

Aldi has announced a $3.4 billion capital investment to expand to 2,500 stores nationwide by the end of 2022.

The initiative – which will make Aldi the third-largest grocer by count in the country, serving more than 100 million customers per month – builds on the grocer’s current growth strategy and $1.6 billion program to remodel 1,300 stores by 2020. The remodeling initiative, first announced in February, is bringing a modern design to 1,300 stores, with open ceilings, natural lighting and environmentally friendly building materials, such as recycled materials, energy-saving refrigeration and LED lighting.

The combined $5 billion investment, to be used over the next five years, also will bring 25,000 new jobs to Aldi stores, warehouses and offices.

"We pioneered a grocery model built around value, convenience, quality and selection, and now Aldi is one of America's favorite and fastest-growing retailers," said Jason Hart, Aldi US' CEO. "We're growing at a time when other retailers are struggling. We are giving our customers what they want, which is more organic produce, antibiotic-free meats and fresh healthier options across the store, all at unmatched prices up to 50 percent lower than traditional grocery stores."

The news of Aldi's latest expansion investment comes days before German rival Lidl opens its first U.S. stores: It has plans to open up to 100 stores on the East Coast by the year's end and is eyeing expansion in other areas of the country, reportedly buying land in Texas and even scouting territory in Cincinnati, Kroger's hometown.

Batavia, Ill.-based Aldi operates more than 1,600 U.S. stores in 35 states.