Sponsored By

Aldi Rolling Out Larger Units

BATAVIA, Ill. — Aldi has begun rolling out new stores that are slightly larger than previous incarnations — and could allow for further expansion in some locations, a real estate director with the retailer here told SN Tuesday.

Jon Springer, Executive Editor

November 30, 2010

1 Min Read

JON SPRINGER

BATAVIA, Ill. — Aldi has begun rolling out new stores that are slightly larger than previous incarnations — and could allow for further expansion in some locations, a real estate director with the retailer here told SN Tuesday.

Aldi’s newest concept store, which also features a few tweaks in its interior layout, was tested over the last year and is now approved for expansion throughout the chain, said Chris Stair, a real estate director with Aldi in Batavia, where Aldi is expected to open a store with the new larger design next week.

Stair said the new store is close to 18,000 square feet, as opposed to previous prototypes of about 16,500 square feet. The larger store provides more selling floor square footage, he said, “but this kind of design in a freestanding store also gives us the flexibility to expand the store in the future.”

Inside the store, changes include putting cooler and freezer departments closer together, and moving the bakery/bread section to a new location in the back of the store, Stair said.

Aldi operates about 1,100 U.S. stores.

About the Author

Jon Springer

Executive Editor

Jon Springer is executive editor of Winsight Grocery Business with responsibility for leading its digital news team. Jon has more than 20 years of experience covering consumer business and retail in New York, including more than 14 years at the Retail/Financial desk at Supermarket News. His previous experience includes covering consumer markets for KPMG’s Insiders; the U.S. beverage industry for Beverage Spectrum; and he was a Senior Editor covering commercial real estate and retail for the International Council of Shopping Centers. Jon began his career as a sports reporter and features editor for the Cecil Whig, a daily newspaper in Elkton, Md. Jon is also the author of two books on baseball. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English-Journalism from the University of Delaware. He lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. with his family.

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News