German-based Grocery Store ALDI is Coming to Tucson

Just a little over a week ago, we found out that a California-based grocery store chain was purchasing the Arizona-owned Lee Lee International Supermarkets. This week, another out-of-town grocer recognizes Tucson as a desirable market to move into.

ALDI, a German discount supermarket chain, will open its first store at Tucson Marketplace at The Bridges — a 2.05-acre piece of land at 871 E. Tucson Marketplace.

The 20,870-square-foot store is smaller than most chain grocery stores we’re used to. For example, many supermarkets have up to 40,000 items and ALDI stores carry less than 2,000. Instead of dozens of aisles, ALDI usually only has five.

The chain grocery store also claims to offer shoppers the “lowest possible prices.”

“We like to think of ourselves as an ally for our customers in better-for-you shopping and living.”

Okay, I’m going to vent for a moment — hear me out.

One of the things that irks me the most about the grocery store experience is when folks don’t put their shopping carts into the “cart corral” on their way out. I mean, sometimes the shopping cart is left a parking spot or two away from the cart corral. One big gust of wind and those carts are zippin’ around the lot. Okay, I’m done.

I’m bringing this up because Aldi has a unique shopping cart distribution program. To grab a shopping cart, you’ll need to toss a quarter into the machine. This unlocks the cart and then once you’re finished shopping, simply park the cart into the corral and a quarter will spit out. This temporary deposit helps keep their “parking lots clean.”

Sign me up! Can I borrow a quarter, though?

The company already operates Arizona stores out of Phoenix, Goodyear, Chandler, Gilbert, and Queen Creek. In total, ALDI runs more than 2,362 stores in 39 states and 1,619 cities.

There still isn’t an official grand opening date.

For more information, visit stores.aldi.us.