Aldi Coming to Houston

Discount grocery retailer Aldi is preparing to enter the Houston market with 30 new stores over the next three years.

With this expanded Texas footprint, Aldi expects to bring 400 jobs and an investment of more than $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, Aldi division vice president. “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.”

Houston’s first Aldi stores are slated to open in spring 2013, with at least 10 new locations, bringing job opportunities at every level, from cashiers to managers. “All Aldi employees enjoy benefits including health care and 401K, and earn wages significantly higher than the industry standard,” the retailer said in a press release. Hiring for the Houston stores is expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Aldi offers more than 1,400 of the most frequently purchased fresh produce, fresh meats and grocery items under its exclusive brands, purportedly priced at up to 50 percent less than traditional supermarkets. Aldi reduces overhead costs by offering 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.

Aldi opened 75 stores in the United States in 2011 and plans to open more than 80 stores in 2012.