Aldi Expands Into Southeast With 400 New Stores — Retail Bum

German grocery chain Aldi is looking to significantly boost its footprint in the Southeast by acquiring 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores from Southeastern Grocers.

The acquisition will see Aldi grow its presence in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

“Like Aldi, Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket have long histories and many loyal customers in the Southeast, and we look forward to serving them in the years to come,” said Aldi CEO Jason Hart. “The transaction supports our long-term growth strategy across the United States, including plans to add 120 new stores nationwide this year to reach a total of more than 2,400 stores by year-end.”

Once the deal is closed, Aldi will determine which stores will be suitable for converting into its own unique format. The rest of the locations will continue to operate as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores, Hart added.

The acquisition of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores follows parent company Southeastern Grocers’ continued financial troubles after filing for bankruptcy and shuttering 94 stores in 2018. The company’s financial challenges are also forcing it to divest its Fresco y Más business, which includes four pharmacy locations and 28 stores.