Remodeled ALDI sets grand reopening

Changes coming to Painesville Twp., Euclid, Lyndhurst stores

The newly renovated Chardon ALDI is soon to open, and three more in the area are targeted for upgrades.

The newly renovated Chardon ALDI is soon to open, and store representatives say three more in the area are targeted for upgrades next year.

The store at 302 Center St. is hosting a grand reopening Aug. 23.

A public ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 8:25 a.m.

Shoppers can enter sweepstakes for a chance to win a year’s supply of ALDI produce.

The renovations closed the site for about six weeks.

“Our Chardon location was originally built in 2009 and our decision to remodel it was part our nationwide remodel initiative — a $1.9 billion investment to remodel and expand more than 1,300 stores across the U.S. by 2020,” said Corey Stucker, the Hinckley division vice president. “In Cleveland, Akron, Canton and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicating nearly $60 million to upgrade our stores.”

Other area ALDIs are located in Mentor, Painesville Township, Madison, Willowick, Euclid and Lyndhurst. These stores have either already been remodeled, are new or will be remodeled, Stucker said.

Plans include updating the locations in Painesville Township, Euclid and Lyndhurst by the end of 2019, he said.

The Chardon project added more than 2,000 square feet to the 16,688-square-foot building, to make room for new products and a fresher look.

The new ALDI prototype debuted in Richmond, Virginia, in 2016. The Batavia, Illinois-based company has more than 1,800 stores nationwide.

As part of the company’s growth initiative, the chain also recently announced a product expansion. With an emphasis on fresh, organic and easy-toprepare options, 20 percent of products in every ALDI store will be new compared to last year, according to an Aug. 9 press release.

“The continued success of our store expansion and remodel initiatives has given us the opportunity to carefully select and introduce new products that satisfy our customers’ increasing preferences for fresh items, including organic meats, salad bowls, sliced fruits and gourmet cheeses,” ALDI U.S. CEO Jason Hart said. “We know people lead busy lives, so we’re making it even easier for them to purchase everything on their shopping list at ALDI, while still saving money.”

The nationwide product rollout continues through early 2019. As part of the expansion, ALDI is increasing its fresh food selection by 40 percent with new items, such as:

• More ready-to-cook and organic fresh meats, including organic chicken breasts and marinated cilantro lime chicken breasts

• Expanded produce selection, including veggie noodles and ready-to-eat sliced fruits, such as mango, pineapple and watermelon spears, and more organics

• The expanding Earth Grown line’s new vegan and vegetarian options, such as kale and quinoa crunch burgers, and chickenless patties and tenders

• Expanded refrigeration offerings for grab-andgo convenience, including single-serve guacamole and organic hummus, plus fresh fruit and vegetable snack packs

• Newly added fresh organic salsa, antipasti salad, gourmet olives and calzones

• More drinks and refrigerated beverages, such as strawberry kefir and kombucha

• More easy-to-prepare meal starters, including quinoa bowls, premium pasta sauces and vegetarian options, like meatless hot dogs and sausages

• More baked goods, like white and whole wheat pita breads, sourdough loaves and gluten-free bagels.

ALDI has been a part of the grocery retailing industry since 1976.