The newest grocery store to join the lakes area landscape will be opening next week.
Aldi will open Thursday at 14620 Dellwood Drive in Baxter, next to Target.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and official grand opening, open to the public, is planned at 9 a.m. Thursday.
"Following the ceremony, the first 100 shoppers will receive a golden ticket, each containing Aldi gift certificates of various amounts. Customers can also tour the store, sample Aldi exclusive brand products and enter an on-site sweepstakes for a chance to win a year's supply of Aldi produce," the company reported in a news release, noting it currently carries nearly 70 varieties of fruits and vegetables, including several organic produce items.
Aldi has 1,500 stores in 32 states. The company reports it is known for its "high-quality grocery items at incredibly low prices."
ADVERTISEMENT
"We look forward to introducing Baxter shoppers to ALDI, where they can find the majority of their average weekly shopping list from our exclusive brand products - including fresh meats, fruits, vegetables and bakery items - for up to 50 percent less," said Matt Lilla, Faribault division vice president for ALDI. "We are committed to bringing ALDI customers the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices in a simple and easy-to-navigate shopping environment."
The Baxter Aldi will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
The store was constructed this summer and fall. It features high ceilings, natural lighting and environmentally friendly building materials with recycled materials and uses of equipment from refrigeration to light bulbs that are designed to save energy consumption, Aldi reported.
Aldi reported the store was designed to give customers a simple and easy to navigate shopping experience.
"In addition to the store's new look, Aldi will bring shoppers a wide range of new, healthier options like organic produce, USDA Choice beef and the SimplyNature line of products, free of artificial colors, flavors or unnecessary enhancers. Aldi also recently introduced its liveGfree gluten-free product line.
"Customers can expect to find the most commonly purchased items sold under Aldi exclusive brands for prices 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.
"ALDI exemplifies efficiency by eliminating overhead costs through smart practices, such as a cart rental system, through which shoppers insert a quarter to release a cart and receive the quarter back upon the cart's return. Other cost-saving practices include a smaller store footprint, open carton displays and encouragement of customers to bring their own shopping bags."
Aldi accepts cash, debit and EBT cards. The company noted it received the 2015 Supermarket News Retail Achievement Award for "ongoing business expansion and product evolution."
ADVERTISEMENT
Aldi plans to add an average of 130 new stores each year.
Small Business Saturday is this weekend as a reminder to give local, independently owned and operated stores a chance to be part of the mix this year and throughout the year. Buying locally helps retain area jobs and supports neighbors who put themselves out there to start businesses and provide employment. Local shops are often competitive on cost and provide personal service. So don't forget the store fronts on main streets and side streets in the local lakes area communities when shopping this season.
RENEE RICHARDSON, associate editor, may be reached at 218-855-5852 or renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com . Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Dispatchbizbuzz .
