German grocer Aldi could open as many as 40 Arizona stores by 2020

PHOENIX — Aldi, a German grocery store chain, could open as many as 40 stores in the next two years should officials choose to expand into Arizona.

The Phoenix Business Journal cited two commercial real estate experts who said they expected the chain to open the doors at 30 to 40 locations instead of an original prediction of 25.

In addition, Aldi was expected to open a regional distribution center in Goodyear, something else that could fuel growth.

However, Aldi’s full entry into Arizona has not yet been announced. Earlier this year, a spokeswoman for the chain said no concrete decision about opening in the state had been made.

“The company is charting an aggressive course to reach 2,500 stores by 2022 and is currently exploring opportunities in Arizona as well as multiple other markets from coast to coast,” Liz Ruggles told the Arizona Republic.

The chain has been taking the United States by storm in recent years and was expanding aggressively.

After first setting up shop on the East Coast, it has developed followings in both the Midwest and South.

Aldi also has more than 50 stores in southern California.

However, the chain will encounter a crowded grocery market should it make its way to Arizona.

The state already has numerous other chains — Fry’s, Safeway, Albertson’s, Bashas’, Sprouts, Smart & Final, Winco and Whole Foods — that are well-established.

That market has become even more crowded as big-box stores, such as Target, Walmart, Costco and Sam’s Club, have expanded into selling groceries.

But Aldi may set itself apart by opening smaller locations that offer shoppers an affordable-but-limited selection rather than the larger stores typically open in the state.

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