As consumers struggle, ALDI brings cheap prices new places

The grocery giant is expanding its footprint strategically.

Apr 28, 2025 - 14:06

As consumers struggle, ALDI brings cheap prices new places

If shopping for food makes you want to vomit these days due to the staggeringly high cost of groceries, you're not alone.

Food prices were up 3% broadly in March, and grocery prices rose 2.4% on an annual basis. But remember, those price hikes are building on the already-high prices that were in place a year ago. So all told, at most supermarkets, you're not getting a bargain.

Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter

Of course, buying groceries is still far more economical than dining at restaurants or picking up takeout.

Restaurants have large amounts of overhead to make up for, so they tend to mark up their menu options to turn a profit.

Shopping for groceries and forcing yourself to cook at home may not be your favorite thing to do. But it could be a huge money-saver at a time when food is so expensive.

ALDI expands to hot new market.
Image source: Shutterstock

Budget grocers are a cash-strapped consumer's best friend

Within the realm of grocery shopping, there are steps consumers can take to save money. And a common strategy is to stick to store brands.

Store brands don't have the same advertising budgets or fancy packaging as national brands. This allows them to be sold at lower prices.

The nice thing about shopping at ALDI is that consumers don't have to search for budget products.

The one thing ALDI is known for is its competitive prices. And the reason is that you won't find too many recognizable brand names on the shelves.

The majority of ALDI's inventory consists of exclusive brands you can't buy anywhere else. That's a bad thing if you have a household of picky eaters, but a good thing if you want to stock your pantry and fridge for as little money as possible.

ALDI expands into new market at just the right time

ALDI has been on a tear this year, opening stores left and right. The company has plans to introduce more than 225 new locations in 2025, with the goal of adding 800 stores by the end of 2028.

That may seem lofty, but consumers have grown more receptive to grocers like ALDI at a time when food costs are soaring.

Meanwhile, ALDI just opened its first two stores in the Las Vegas area, giving locals and visitors alike an opportunity to enjoy the famed grocer's incredible deals. This is a significant development for ALDI, as the company is specifically seeking to expand its footprint in the Western U.S.

“Shoppers shouldn’t have to compromise on quality to save money, and at ALDI, they don’t have to," said CEO Jason Hart. “With 25% of U.S. households and counting trusting our products and low prices, we’re growing rapidly from coast to coast. Opening stores in Las Vegas gives us the opportunity for continued growth in this exciting market and allows us to bring an affordable and fun grocery experience to shoppers nationwide."

ALDI welcomed Vegas-area shoppers by giving out commemorative quarter-sized ALDI poker chips to unlock the grocer’s shopping carts. Some shoppers also got a chance to win access to an exclusive experience, complete with product tastings and ALDI gear.

More Retail:

Two more Las Vegas-area stores are still in the works for ALDI. The first is expected to open in mid-May and the second should be welcoming customers by the end of the year.

Shawn Eddy, regional vice president for ALDI, said customers can save up to 36% on the average shopping list by choosing ALDI over competing grocers. And given how desperate consumers are for supermarket savings, ALDI is setting itself up to shine by expanding at just the right time.