Discount Grocer ALDI Coming to Houston

HOUSTON, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  ALDI, a discount grocer known for offering high-quality exclusive brands at unbeatable prices, is preparing to enter the Houston market with 30 new stores over the next three years. With this expanded Texas footprint, ALDI is expected to bring 400 jobs and an investment of over $100 million of capital expenditures to the local community. ALDI currently has more than 1,200 stores in 32 states, including 37 stores in Texas, most of which are located in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area.

"Our history and recent growth in Texas has us poised for great success in the Houston area as more and more shoppers are discovering the high-value, high-quality shopping experience that ALDI offers," said Scott Huska, division vice president for ALDI. "Our expansion will bring job opportunities with excellent pay and benefits to the Houston area. We are excited to bring these benefits to Houston as we continue our expansion in Texas."

The first ALDI stores in Houston will open in the spring of 2013, with more than ten new locations. Job opportunities at every level, from cashiers to managers, will be available. All ALDI employees enjoy benefits including health care and 401K, and earn wages significantly higher than the industry standard. Hiring for the Houston stores is expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Customers can expect to find more than 1,400 of the most frequently purchased fresh produce, fresh meats and high-quality grocery items under ALDI exclusive brands at up to 50 percent* less than traditional supermarkets. To ensure its exclusive brands meet or exceed the national brands on taste and quality, ALDI conducts rigorous testing on all products. ALDI stands behind this quality with a Double Guarantee: If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with a food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the customer's money.

A model of efficiency, ALDI reduces overhead costs by offering smart practices such as a smaller store footprint, open carton displays and encouragement of customers to bring their own shopping bags. The Houston stores will feature higher ceilings, improved natural lighting and environmentally friendly building materials – such as recycled materials and energy-saving refrigeration and light bulbs – offering customers a simple and easy-to-navigate shopping experience.

A grocery retailer that has grown without merger or acquisition, ALDI opened 75 stores in the United States in 2011 and plans to open more than 80 stores in 2012.

About ALDI Inc.

A leader in the grocery retailing industry, ALDI operates approximately 1,200 U.S. stores in 32 states, primarily from Kansas to the East Coast. More than 20 million customers each month save up to 50 percent^* on their grocery bills, benefiting from the ALDI simple and streamlined approach to retailing. ALDI sells more than 1,400 of the most frequently purchased grocery and household items, primarily under its exclusive brands, which must meet or exceed the national name brands on taste and quality. ALDI is so confident in the quality of its products, the company offers a Double Guarantee: If for any reason a customer is not 100 percent satisfied with any ALDI food product, ALDI will gladly replace the product and refund the purchase price. For more information about ALDI, visit www.aldi.us.

*Based upon a price comparison of comparable products sold at leading national retail grocery stores.

SOURCE ALDI Inc.