ALDI Officials Answer Whether They’ll Open New Store in Branford

BRANFORD, CT - If the grocery giant ALDI has its sights on Branford as part of its aggressive expansion plans, company officials are keeping their cards close to their chests - so far.

Patch reached out to ALDI when word got out this week the grocer wanted to build a new store in Branford.

The answer?

“We are one of America’s fastest-growing retailers,” said Bruce Persohn, ALDI South Windsor Division Vice President. Today, we operate more than 1,900 stores in 36 states, and we’re investing more than $5 billion to remodel 1,300 existing stores and open hundreds of new stores across the country. Through our aggressive national expansion plans, we’re on pace to become the third-largest U.S. grocery retailer by store count by the end of 2022.”

But that’s as far as the ALDI official would go.

“However, at this time, we don’t have any information to share about ALDI potentially opening a new store in Branford, Connecticut. We will reach out if we have any news to share regarding ALDI Connecticut expansion plans,” said Persohn.

ALDI has submitted an application with Branford officials to build a 19,000-square-foot store off of Exit 53, as first reported by the Branford Seven.

According to Inland Wetlands Commission meeting minutes, the proposal was discussed at the Dec. 5 meeting. The name, ALDI, wasn't specifically mentioned, but it states that a "bank and grocery store" are planned for 1151 W. Main St. The Branford Seven reports that the grocery store is in fact ALDI and the bank is Chase.

ALDI officials say they are in the "midst of an accelerated growth plan, investing more than $5 billion to remodel and expand its store count to 2,500 by the end of 2022,” the company states on its website.

“The continued success of our store expansion and remodel initiatives has given us the opportunity to carefully select and introduce new products that satisfy our customers’ increasing preferences for fresh items, including organic meats, salad bowls, sliced fruits and gourmet cheeses,” said Jason Hart, CEO of ALDI U.S. on its website. “We know people lead busy lives, so we’re making it even easier for them to purchase everything on their shopping list at ALDI, while still saving money.”

ALDI, which first opened in 1976, operates more than 1,800 U.S. stores in 35 states, including 26 locations in Connecticut. The Connecticut locations include: 2 in Waterbury, Bristol, Southington, Wallingford, New Britain, Hamden, Derby, Milford, West Haven, New Haven, Newington, Middletown, West Hartford, New Milford, Danbury, East Hartford, Groton, Enfield, Vernon, Waterford, Torrington, Rocky Hill, Dayville, North Windham, and Lisbon.

ALDI is known for streamlined approach it brings to retailing, which means lower prices. ALDI sells frequently purchased grocery and household items.

The Branford location being eyed by ALDI is right off Interstate 95 and also less than a mile from competitors Walmart and Big Y.
>>>Read More at the Branford Seven.