Aldi accelerates US expansion to rival grocery giants

German discount supermarket Aldi is intensifying its push into the US. It announced yesterday plans to open over 180 stores this year as it continues to expand in the country.

The move comes as American households increasingly look to trim their grocery budgets.

Aldi is the third-largest grocer in America by store count, trailing Walmart and Kroger. It had opened nearly 200 locations in 2024, bringing its total to 2,614 stores.

Its store traffic rose 8% in 2025, significantly outperforming Costco (5.9%), Albertsons (1.6%), Kroger’s (0.8%), and Walmart (0.5%).

Aldi’s success is driven by a shift in consumer behavior. Shoppers are increasingly prioritizing value over store experiences.

According to a September survey by AlixPartners, traditional grocery spending among households earning over $100,000 declined by 7%.

By focusing on private labels and a compact, efficient store layout, Aldi is attracting people who are moving away from big-name supermarket chains.

However, its market share remains at roughly 2.8%, compared to Walmart’s 21%. It is also facing legal battles over allegedly copying the packaging of Oreo maker Mondelez’s products.

Overall, Aldi continues to retain loyalists and attract more customers who prefer the savings found in its aisles.