Some Palmetto Bay residents have asked as to the new tenant that is taking over the space next to Lots of Lox vacated by Office Depot. Construction is ongoing. (on the corner of Coral
Reef Drive and South Dixie Highway). The sign (pictured at right) indicates
that an Aldi is ‘coming soon.’ Here is what my research reveals: First, the ALDI Official HOME PAGE.
then, some articles, beginning with the New York
Times, Business Day section: Where Wal-Mart Failed, Aldi Succeeds, by Stephanie Clifford, March 29, 2011.
It appears that Aldi has quietly been setting up its shops in cities around the
country. The article gives some insight on this company, indicating that Aldi first
came to the United States in 1976, but it opened a relatively small number of
stores a year — 25 or so on average. But has accelerated the expansion through adding
more than 250 stores, with plans for 80 more both in 2011 and 2012.
Read this
article for the information that appears to still be relevant (It is a 2011
article).
The article
goes on to discuss that this chain:
“They’re not only doing the small format more
rapidly, but they’re getting into the urban areas more rapidly than either
Wal-Mart Express or the city Targets,” said Craig Johnson, president of the
consulting firm Customer Growth Partners. “Even though the company’s
headquartered in Germany, they’ve opened up a New York store quicker than
Wal-Mart has.”
“There’s no reason to oppose an Aldi — it’s a
small format, and they usually get space from an existing landowner or
landlord, a small guy who’s plugged into the community, not a big guy like a
Forest City Ratner,” Mr. Johnson said. “Wal-Mart has sort of become a bad guy
that there’s a concerted effort against. I’m not sure that Aldi has really
gotten on anyone’s radar screen.”
The company capitalizes on the bargain hunter, who
is not embarrassed to choose frugality over name brands. Aldi’s mainly sells
its own private-label items at cheap prices — a five-ounce bacon-wrapped beef
filet costs $1.79 at the Queens store.
Also see
Browbeat, December 2, 2013, Trader Joe Has a Brother. He’s Even Better, by Rebecca Schuman. This article
discusses how this chain is a close relative of Trader Joe's, specifically
discussing what we may soon see here in Palmetto Bay:
Chances are that you have never set foot inside
the best grocery store in America: Aldi. And even if you are lucky enough to be
in one of the 32 states where Aldi is, perhaps you were put-off by the
cardboard boxes in lieu of shelves, or the row upon row of suspicious-looking
off-brands. What is this place? Why do I have to put down a deposit to check
out a cart? What is the weird giant shelf by the exit? And what do you mean, I
have to pay for a bag?
Calm your hormones, meine Schatzis: Aldi, which is
short for Albrecht Discount, is the American incarnation of a German grocery
chain that is so ubiquitous in the Vaterland that almost 90 percent of Germans
shop there. ….
Want to follow Aldi? If so, you can CLICK HERE to view (and 'like' if you are so predisposed) the ALDI Facebook page. It also appears that ALDI will provide 75 full time jobs here at their soon-to-open Palmetto Bay location.
So we will
wait and see what our new store in Palmetto Bay has to offer. Perhaps any readers can share their
experiences with me - there is presently an ALDI store that is open in Cutler Bay.
The Village of Palmetto Bay welcomes Aldi to the neighborhood.
Let's get a few friends together and work up an appetite. Join me for what should be a great bike ride. Palmetto Bay/Old Cutler is an outstanding place to bike, jog, walk and enjoy outdoor activities.
