Friday, April 7, 2017

Altadenans Welcome, Explore Brand New Discount Grocery Store ALDI Just Weeks After Long-Time Ralphs Closes

By BRANDON VILLALOVOS

Dozens of residents and community members of Altadena lined up around the block of the site where the new ALDI grocery store opened for business Thursday morning eager be among the first to shop and explore the brand new store that now sits next door to the once bustling, and now abandoned, Ralphs.

The discount grocery store on the southeast corner of Lake Ave. and Calaveras in Altadena is the first of its kind in the area for the midwest-based ALDI, which launched a series of California stores last year and offers a wide range of premium groceries at prices up to fifty percent less than the competitors.

“We know Altadena residents are looking for a great value and quality groceries they love,” said John Alvarez, Moreno Valley Director of Operations ALDI. “By offering quality exclusive brand products at affordable prices, ALDI is the answer to customer’s needs. Whether shoppers are looking for USDA Choice meats, organic fruits and vegetables or gluten-free options, we have them covered with an unmatched combination of great-quality products and everyday low prices.”

ALDI started opening up stores in California in March of last year, making the Altadena location the 35th store in the region.

The newly constructed location sits adjacent to the Ralphs that closed in late January after two decades of operation and temporarily left Altadena residents without a central grocery store for approximately two months.

There are over 1,800 stores throughout the country.

“California has been very exciting for us as we still expand in the foothill area of Los Angeles County,” said Alvarez.

Shoppers lined up early Thursday morning to in a line that wrapped around the building to take advantage of ALDI’s grand opening golden ticket special which gave the first 100 customers gift cards of various amounts.

“You can definitely see customers that are winning $100, $25, $10 to kind of help with their grocery shopping experience. Overall, everybody in the community is winning today since we are able to bring in a new food market into the area,” said Alvarez.

Private-label merchandise accounts for about 90 percent of ALDI’s offerings and the company is selling many of its products for far less than competing name brands at other stores.

Beyond staples such as bread, dairy and a variety of fresh produce, ALDI offers a growing organic selection, USDA Choice meats, the liveGfree gluten-free product line and better-for-you options, including the SimplyNature line of products free from over 125 artificial ingredients and preservatives.

To better serve customers and their growing families, ALDI now carries a full line of baby products, Little Journey, which offers customers award-winning diapers, wipes, training pants, formula, organic food and snacks.

ALDI also carries food items that meet most dietary restrictions such as gluten free and organic.

“For us, we are the low cost leader so we will be lower than any other traditional grocery store as far as cost goes, but we carry the highest quality products,” said Alvarez.

Altadena store presents a new look, offering a modern and convenient shopping experience which was inspired by input from customers.

Shoppers will notice expanded sections for their favorite products, a robust fresh produce selection, brighter colors, high ceilings, natural lighting and environmentally-friendly building materials – such as recycled materials, energy-saving refrigeration and LED lighting. Aldi stores also feature a simple-to-navigate layout, easy-to-spot signage and prominent product prices, according to a press release.

“I am just so thrilled that not only do we have a grocery store again, but on like this that has good prices and a wide selection. It’s nice seeing something brand new and I think it’s going to serve Altadena well. No more going down Lake just to get groceries,” said an Altadena resident and golden ticket shopper.

ALDI is in the midst of an accelerated growth plan, and by the end of 2018, there will be nearly 2,000 ALDI stores serving 45 million customers each month from coast to coast.

ALDI was honored with the 2015 Supermarket News Retail Achievement Award, recognizing the company for its ongoing business expansion and product evolution.

For more information about ALDI, visit <a href=”http://aldi.us/”>aldi.us</a>.