Aldi taps newest regional distribution center in Alabama to fuel Southeastern growth

Aldi’s presence in the Gulf Coast area is getting bigger. The discount grocer on Tuesday unveiled its newest regional headquarters and distribution center in Loxley, Alabama, as part of the planned store openings in the region through 2023.

As one of America’s fastest-growing grocers by store count, Aldi’s 564,000-square-foot facility services 100 stores across Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle and brings groceries to eight million of Gulf Coast shoppers. The facility employs 200 associates, with 120 of the positions already staffed and plans to continue hiring, Aldi said in a statement.

“At a time when inflation is putting pressure on American wallets, we believe our mission to save people money on the food and products they need is more important than ever,” said Heather Moore, Aldi divisional VP for the Loxley region. “We are thrilled to see so much customer love for the 20 stores we’ve opened in the Gulf Coast area in the last year alone.”

The facility is the retailer’s 26th U.S. regional hub and the sixth to be opened in the Southern U.S. Aldi operates 30 stores in the Gulf Coast, 20 of which were opened in 2022. Looking to add more stores in the area, Aldi said it plans to add another 13 locations this year.  

“We are incredibly proud Aldi chose to lay down its roots in our Alabama community,” said Richard Teal, mayor of Loxley. “Our community is growing quickly, and we’re excited to be welcoming the expansion of Aldi alongside Loxley. Not only will this facility create hundreds of jobs for the hardworking members of our community, but it will also allow our residents and neighbors easy access to fresh food at low prices.”  

The distribution center features several sustainable building elements, such as solar panels, LED lighting and an environmentally friendly refrigeration system, Aldi said.

With no signs of slowing in the Southeast, 2023 is also shaping up to include expansion for Aldi in other parts of the U.S. as well. Last week, Aldi widened its Midwest presence with a new store in the Chicago area. The grocer is planning for another store to be completed in the Portage Park neighborhood of Chicago's Northwest Side later this year.