The German-born supermarket chain ALDI continues its robust U.S. expansion, targeting market share in dense urban environments. The latest milestone in this strategy is the opening of a new store in Chicago’s dynamic and sought-after River North neighborhood.
This new location joins more than 30 ALDI stores already operating across the Chicago metropolitan area.
Strategic Location and Store Details
The new ALDI is located at 30 W. Huron Street, near Dearborn Street—a prime retail address in River North. The site previously housed a Whole Foods Market, which closed in 2022. Plans to repurpose the space as a Dom’s Kitchen and Market outlet were later abandoned following the abrupt closures of both Dom’s and Foxtrot in 2024.
River North, known for its vibrant nightlife, acclaimed restaurants, and influx of new residents drawn by luxury high-rise developments, has long faced a shortage of accessible grocery options. Local residents have welcomed ALDI’s arrival with enthusiasm.
The official grand opening is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, at 8:20 a.m., featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The store will operate daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., or 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., according to hours posted on ALDI’s website. The company has also applied for a liquor license for this location.
Grand Opening Promotions and ALDI’s Low-Cost Business Model
To drive initial foot traffic, ALDI has launched several opening-week incentives:
- The first 100 customers on opening day (November 13) will receive a complimentary gift bag featuring exclusive ALDI products.
- These same customers will also receive a “Golden Ticket” redeemable for up to $100 in purchases that day.
- From November 13–16, shoppers can scan QR codes inside the store for a chance to win a $500 ALDI gift card.
ALDI’s entry into a high-income neighborhood like River North is grounded in its proven value proposition. According to ALDI’s 2025 Price Leadership Report—validated by an independent analysis from Ernst & Young QUEST—the retailer offers the lowest prices among all national grocery chains. The report estimates that a family of four in Chicago could save up to $3,852 annually by choosing ALDI’s exclusive brands over comparable national brands.
As the fastest-growing grocery retailer in the U.S. by store count, ALDI maintains its competitive pricing through a highly efficient and streamlined business model built on three core pillars:
- Compact, Efficient Stores: At approximately 12,000 square feet—significantly smaller than the average supermarket—ALDI minimizes overhead costs related to rent and utilities.
- Curated Assortment: ALDI carries only about 1,600 SKUs, versus the 31,000 typically found in conventional supermarkets, reducing inventory complexity and waste.
- Exclusive Brands: Over 90% of ALDI’s products are private-label, enabling direct partnerships with manufacturers and eliminating marketing and advertising costs associated with national brands.
Growth Outlook
This Chicago expansion aligns with ALDI’s corporate goal to open 800 new U.S. stores by 2028. The strategy is gaining traction: today, one in four U.S. households shops at ALDI.
The River North store reflects ALDI’s urban retail concept—similar to its successful “ALDI Local” format in London—designed for convenience in car-light neighborhoods. By omitting bulky, hard-to-carry items and focusing on frequent, smaller-basket shopping trips, ALDI is effectively appealing to urban demographics, particularly millennials seeking affordability without compromise.
ALDI’s River North debut exemplifies how the discount grocer is redefining retail norms—bringing its signature “undeniable value” proposition into premium locations and addressing a longstanding gap in accessible, affordable grocery options in America’s urban cores.
