ALABAMA, N. CAROLINA, and MINNESOTA - The German grocer is cementing its place in the U.S. market, with plans to open over a dozen new stores across the country. In its current production plan, four stores are in the works in North Carolina, eight new stores across Minnesota, and its very first store in Montgomery, Alabama.

According to Alabama News Network, Aldi has plans to invest $3.4 billion to expand to 2,500 U.S. brick-and-mortar stores by the end of 2022. Its first-time expansion into Montgomery, AL, is one part of that plan.

“We strive to make grocery shopping an enjoyable experience. We combine great food with affordable prices, and we are excited to open our first store in Montgomery, to show a new community of shoppers what we do best,” said Shaun O’Keefe, Jefferson Division Vice President for ALDI. “We pride ourselves on saving people time and money, and we can’t wait to provide Montgomery residents with a grocery store that meets their needs.”

The new Montgomery store is set to open on August 1 of this year, and the opening ceremonies will include a giveaway of gift cards to the first 100 customers and a sweepstakes to win a year’s supply of Aldi produce. The store will feature an expansive refrigeration space for its 40 percent increase in its fresh food selection, Alabama News Network reports.

Minnesota is another market that Aldi is attempting to dominate, with plans to operate at least 70 locations throughout the state. According to Minnesota Star Tribune, to achieve this goal, the retailer is opening eight new Minnesota locations. Aldi has spent over $34 million in the past two years to construct new stores and renovate existing ones. Since that time, almost 20 stores have been remodeled, with thirteen more in the works.

The new Minnesota stores will be located in:

• Richfield, opening August 14
• Minneapolis, opening August 21
• Chanhassen, opening in October
• St. Louis Park, opening in October
• Blaine, opening in November
• St. Paul, opening in November
• Phalen Village, opening in November
• Roseville, undisclosed opening

North Carolina is also in the retailer’s crosshairs as it plans to open four new locations, one of which will be located in a former Kroger spot in Raleigh, according to WRAL.

The new North Carolina stores will be located in:

• Cary, opening October 17, 2019
• Raleigh, opening October 31, 2019
• Raleigh, opening June 25, 2020
• Holly Springs, opening July 23, 2020

Where will Aldi set its sights next? AndNowUKnow will report.

Aldi