NEW YORK, (WOWO) Discount grocery chain Aldi is planning a major expansion across the United States, the company announced Monday.

The chain expects to open more than 180 stores by the end of 2026, pushing its total footprint to nearly 2,800 locations, according to Fox Business. By the end of 2028, Aldi aims to operate approximately 3,200 stores nationwide. As part of the expansion, the chain will enter the Colorado market for the first time and open additional locations in the Southeast and Western U.S.

Aldi also plans to establish three new distribution centers in Florida, Colorado and Arizona to support its growing network. The company attributes the expansion to sustained demand for its no-frills, low-cost model, which relies on smaller stores, mostly private-label products and limited staffing.

“In 2026 we’re focused on making it even easier for customers to shop our aisles first,” Aldi U.S. CEO Atty McGrath said in a statement. “That means bringing ALDI to even more neighborhoods, upgrading our website and planning additional distribution centers to keep our shelves stocked,” Fox Business reports.

Aldi’s cost-saving measures include requiring a refundable quarter to use shopping carts and limiting in-store staffing, allowing the company to maintain lower prices for customers. The chain reported 17 million new customer visits in 2025 alone, a key factor in driving the next phase of growth.

The story was reported by Fox Business, citing statements from Aldi U.S. officials.