Neither Costco nor Walmart: the unstoppable US supermarket set to expand fast

In the world of American supermarkets, competition is more alive than ever. Although major chains like Costco and Walmart dominate, there is a competitor that is gaining ground with strength and a very clear strategy. This supermarket, of European origin, keeps opening new stores and transforming the market.

This is Aldi, the German low-cost supermarket chain that is revolutionizing Florida and other regions of the United States. After buying the parent company of Winn-Dixie and Harveys in 2024, Aldi began converting about 220 stores to its characteristic smaller and cheaper format. In 2025, they plan to open 225 new stores across the country, their largest annual record to date.

Aldi's unstoppable expansion in Florida

This year is proving to be key for Aldi, especially in Florida, where the chain is accelerating the opening of new supermarkets. According to their official website, there are 21 locations set to open soon in this state, with six openings scheduled just in July. Notable locations include Odessa (July 17), Crawfordville, Jensen Beach, and Westlake (July 24), and Port Orange and St. Cloud (July 31), reveals The Daytona Beach News Journal.

Since the beginning of 2025, Aldi has opened 22 stores in Florida, bringing a total that is growing rapidly and strengthening their presence in the region, reveals their official website. Some of the recent openings include locations in Apollo Beach, Boynton Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Ocala, and Port St. Lucie, many of them in former Winn-Dixie supermarkets.

The plan to convert about 220 Winn-Dixie and Harveys supermarkets to the Aldi model by 2027 shows the company's strong commitment to consolidating in the American market. In addition, Aldi is not only renovating existing stores, but they are also opening new branches under their own brand.

Features that set Aldi apart from other supermarkets

Aldi stands out for a simple business model; unlike Winn-Dixie, they don't offer meat counters, bakeries, pharmacies, or liquor stores. Their focus is to offer a limited selection of products, mainly private labels, which allows them to keep prices very low for the consumer. The shopping experience is quick and no-frills: there is no background music, no major promotions, and no coupons.

The customer pays a coin to get a cart, which they get back when they return it, and is responsible for bagging their own products. In addition, Aldi offers a "Twice is Nice" guarantee that doubles the refund on private label products if the customer is not satisfied. Their "FINDS" deals also stand out, which are seasonal or limited-time products that constantly renew their offerings.

Founded in 1946 by the Albrecht brothers, Aldi keeps the original philosophy that has allowed them to grow internationally. In the United States, their ambition translates into a $9 billion investment to open and convert stores through 2030. Despite selling most of the Winn-Dixie stores, they keep moving forward with the conversions that have started and the opening of new stores.