Ready to see more Aldi’s? The supermarket, which currently has over 2,600 locations and is the third largest in the United States, is expanding its stores while getting ready to give its merchandise a new look. Aldi plans to open 225 new stores by the end of this year and 800 new stores in nine states by 2028.
There have already been about 26 openings this month, with the first wave happening on December 4 and the last wave on December 11. The company celebrated with ribbon-cutting ceremonies and offered $100 to $500 in shopping credits to the first few hundred shoppers.
By 2027, about 220 Winn-Dixie and Harveys supermarkets will carry the Aldi brand. This comes after Southeastern Grocers sold 400 stores to Aldi in March 2024. In order to focus on conversions, the company quickly sold at least 170 back to Southeastern Grocers and C&S Wholesalers. Southeastern Grocers will run the remaining 220 locations until the switches are finished.
The aisles themselves are the site of the other big changes. In 2026, The supermarket is “putting its name on every product” and “launching its first-ever namesake brand.” They want to make it simpler for customers to recognize when they are picking up exclusive Aldi brands.
Expansion and conversions: What’s changing for shoppers
With its expansion, more communities will have access to Aldi’s shopping and private-label discounts. The plan, envision for 800 new locations by 2028, builds on the progress that began last year. About 26 stores opened in two waves this month alone, and the company added opening-day benefits like ribbon cuttings and $100–$500 shopping credits for early shoppers.
The status of conversions is just as important. By 2027, the company plans to convert about 220 Winn-Dixie and Harveys supermarkets into Aldi locations. The brand decided to sell at least 170 of the 400 locations it bought from Southeastern Grocers and C&S Wholesalers in March 2024, with the goal of transforming the remaining locations into Aldi-branded stores. Southeastern Grocers will keep running those locations during the transition until each conversion is finished.
Clearer labels, same Aldi value
The company already sources over 90% of its merchandise from its own brands, including Simply Nature, Clancy’s, and Huntington Home. However, not every customer is aware that these labels are owned by Aldi (this update tries to address that). Customers should find it easier to recognize that they are purchasing an Aldi exclusive.
According to Atty McGrath, CEO of Aldi, the changes will make it “easier than ever for shoppers to instantly spot the value and quality only Aldi can deliver.” In reality, current brands like Simply Nature, Clancy’s, and Huntington Home will stay in place, but the packaging will have the company logo or a smaller “Aldi Original” label. Some products will proceed with complete name changes. For instance, “Red Bag Chicken” will be the new name for the retailer’s chicken breast filets.
What to expect in stores next
The brand’s in-store strategy remains the same while it grows and updates its packaging. However, it’s useful to keep in mind a few policies:
- Consumers can unlock a cart with a quarter deposit and receive their money back when they return it.
- Although cashiers can help, customers normally bag their own purchases; there are no baggers.
- Products are organized in aisles in the same packaging that they come in from suppliers to save time and reduce expenses.
- When customers are dissatisfied with Aldi-brand products, the retailer offers complete refunds and exchanges through its Twice as Nice policy.
- Paper and reusable bags are offered by the chain; plastic bags are not.
Overall, the company is thrilled about what the new year will bring to the brand; they have even reintroduced two festive desserts, which start at $2.49 and have a $5 option that has customers saying the “whole family is obsessed.”