Aurora Aldi Store Replaces Neighboring Location

AURORA, IL – One of the nation's fastest growing retailers, ALDI, is replacing one of its Aurora locations with a bigger space, just a minute or two walk down the street from its old location, both on Galena Boulevard. The new ALDI will open its doors Dec. 14 as part of a $180 million remodeling boost to Chicagoland's 130 stores by 2020.

At its new location, customers will see a more robust selection of produce, dairy and bakery sections. The new store, at 2275 W. Galena Blvd., will offer a more open design with natural lighting and and environmentally-friendly building materials, with a couple thousand square feet of more room.

In recent years, ALDI has made somewhat of a resurgence with its unique approach to selling groceries. It offers low prices for organic produce items, some at 50 percent off. Its meats are antibiotic-free with no added hormones or animal byproducts. ALDI cuts costs with low staffing and keeping only necessary hours.

Its patrons don't mind the lack of employees, the off-brands and the open carton displays if it means they get to see savings at the register. A recent Market Force Information survey concluded that ALDI is one of America's favorite grocery stores. It was also recently named on Forbes' list of Americas Best Large Employers.

The new Aurora location is one of 1,200 stores opening coast to coast by 2022, as part of an accelerated period of growth and expansion for the company. At the new location's ribbon cutting ceremony Dec. 14 at 8:25 a.m., the first 100 customers will receive a golden ticket, each containing gift cards of various amounts. Customers can tour the store, sample products and enter in a chance to win a year's supply of produce. Its hours will be 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 'til 8 p.m. on Sundays.

The old location at 2134 W. Galena Blvd. will officially close at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13. ALDI Batavia Division Vice President Laura Branneman said when it comes to choosing locations, they look at population density, proximity to competition, property costs and traffic patterns.

"We believe our new Aurora location will offer customers an even more pleasant shopping experience, and we’re looking forward to continuing to serve the Aurora community at this new store."

Image: AP Photo/Elise Amendola