Aldi bets big on cities with urban stores and bargain staples
Aldi is accelerating its US growth with a $9 billion plan to open 800 stores over five years, targeting dense urban hubs like Manhattan. The discount grocer banks on lean operations and private-label goods to attract mid- to high-income shoppers, aiming to carve out market share without out-discounting Walmart. The Manhattan site sits underground in The Ellery complex and relies on nightly, two-driver truck deliveries to navigate tight city streets. Real estate costs and Walmart’s scale remain major hurdles, but Aldi’s US presence is expanding beyond its traditional suburban image as shoppers seek lower prices with a perception of improving quality.
