Aldi accelerates expansion with more than 180 new stores slated for 2026 The grocer’s rapid growth could push its store count above Kroger.

Entering its 50th year stateside, Aldi is hitting the ground running by breaking ground this year on a host of new locations. The discount grocer today announced footprint expansion plans that could push it to become the nation’s second-largest supermarket in terms of store count. It also said it would improve its supply chain operations and ecommerce experience, reaching a total investment of $9 billion over five years by 2028. Aldi will open more than 180 new stores this year, bringing its footprint to ~2,800 amid its goal to reach 3,200 stores by 2028. It’ll debut in Portland, Maine—its 40th...