Aldi is embarking on its biggest expansion in five decades, with plans to open 225 new locations across the U.S. in 2025. This move will significantly increase the company’s footprint, especially in the Southeastern United States, where many of these stores will replace existing Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets. According to a report from Southern Living, the grocery chain aims to convert 220 supermarkets by 2027, reinforcing its position as a leading low-cost grocery retailer at a time when inflation continues to affect household budgets.
With more than 2,400 stores nationwide, Aldi is currently the third-largest grocery chain in the U.S., behind Walmart and Kroger. This aggressive expansion marks a substantial increase in its market presence, nearly doubling the number of new store openings compared to last year, when the company launched 120 new locations.
Converting Existing Supermarkets to Aldi Locations
A significant part of Aldi’s expansion will come from repurposing existing supermarkets rather than constructing new buildings. Approximately 100 of the new stores will be former Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets, a strategy that allows Aldi to enter high-traffic areas without starting from scratch. This follows Aldi’s 2023 acquisition of Winn-Dixie and Harveys stores, which provided a unique opportunity to grow rapidly in key regions.
By 2027, Aldi plans to complete the conversion of 220 acquired locations, meaning that most but not all of the Winn-Dixie and Harveys stores will eventually operate under the Aldi brand. However, Aldi has also divested around 170 locations, meaning that not all previously acquired stores will become part of its network. Some of these stores will remain Winn-Dixie or Harveys locations, while others may transition to different grocery operators.
The shift from full-service supermarkets to Aldi’s no-frills, budget-friendly model represents a major transformation in the grocery retail industry. Unlike traditional supermarkets that offer an extensive variety of brands and services, Aldi operates with a limited selection, self-bagging checkout, and a cart rental system, all designed to reduce overhead costs and keep prices low.
A Commitment to Affordable Groceries Amid Inflation
Aldi’s CEO Jason Hart emphasized that this expansion aligns with the company’s core mission of offering affordable, high-quality groceries.
“Converting the remaining locations to the ALDI format is critically important to our nationwide commitment to help shoppers fill their carts with quality groceries for less. As shoppers continue to feel sticker shock at the checkout, the value ALDI delivers can’t be beat,” Hart stated.
This business strategy has allowed Aldi to maintain some of the lowest grocery prices in the U.S., an advantage that has driven its rapid growth and consumer loyalty. With ongoing economic uncertainty and rising food costs, Aldi’s discount model is becoming increasingly attractive to shoppers looking for ways to stretch their grocery budgets.
Aldi’s Largest Expansion to Date
Aldi’s 2025 expansion surpasses its growth in 2024, when the company opened nearly 120 stores. This year’s plan to add 225 new locations represents a massive acceleration, reinforcing Aldi’s position as one of the fastest-growing grocery chains in the country.
This expansion also signals Aldi’s long-term commitment to competing with larger grocery chains, particularly in regions dominated by traditional supermarkets. By focusing on cost efficiency, simplified shopping experiences, and competitive pricing, Aldi aims to attract more budget-conscious consumers who are increasingly looking for alternatives to higher-priced retailers.
