You would expect 90 parking lot spaces to be sufficient for a grocery store, early on a Friday morning. Not so, for the grand reopening of the ALDI store located at 3409 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL. As General Contractor John Weaver‘s drone photograph indicates, overflow vehicles lined the surrounding street, even out of view. People lined the building, eager to be among the first 100 shoppers, gathering well before the 8:45 a.m. Ribbon Cutting ceremony. They hoped for a “golden ticket” containing ALDI gift cards of various amounts.
The Editor received a dozen, full-size ALDI products–to create a spaghetti supper. The reusable shopping bag proclaimed it “has skills! Used to be a water bottle, now carries food from ALDI! [It] is designed for at least 125 uses.” ALDI eliminates overhead costs through smart practices, such as customers bringing their own shopping bags and refundable 25¢ cart rental. Everyone was treated to a free grocery cart.
Weaver, below, was the General Contractor during this 15-week project. He works for Anchor Construction in Granger, IN; Anchor’s next ALDI project, in Hammond, IN, will take four weeks. He said this store stayed open the first ten weeks, with construction done at night.
“I’ve been working 15-hour days at the end,” to meet the deadline. Above Weaver’s head is a new steel I-beam, which marks the beginning of the addition at the north of the building.
“This store opened in 2002, and we are excited to grow,” stated Heather Moore, Vice President for the Dwight, IL, Division. ALDI is headquartered in Batavia, IL.
“We moved the first aisle 14 feet into the parking lot. There are 18,000 square feet [in the building], up by 2500. We have exactly the same brands and prices, so people can get all [their] holiday needs at low prices. It’s just easier to shop [now].” Three people have been hired, and there are now five check-out lanes.
“We’ll be able to evolve and add product lines. [This expansion] is to prepare [us] for the future. We are interested in the ALDI value proposition. We are looking at all of our properties to showcase what we’ve been proud of,” she concluded. The Dixon, IL, ALDI is remodeling and will be unveiled in December. On Thursday, November 17, the Clinton, IA, store moves to its new location, three miles west along U. S. Route 30, between Culver’s and Harley-Davidson.
Store hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday. Thanks to input from loyal customers, the Sterling store offers
- more room for customers’ favorite products
- inviting colors
- high ceilings
- natural lighting
- environmentally-friendly building materials, such as energy-saving refrigeration and LED lighting
- simple navigation
- easy-to-spot product signage
- prominent product prices
- healthy tips within the produce section
- Dietitian’s Picks, healthy products handpicked by nutrition experts.
Sauk Valley Chamber of Commerce conducted a Ribbon Cutting ceremony, during which Sterling Mayor Skip Lee center, offered congratulatory remarks. Store Manager Crystal Coleman cut the double streamers. She commented later, “I’m super excited! The store looks amazing!” Colman shared the celebration with Moore, Mayor Lee, and his granddaughter, seven-year-old Amelia Beers. The first grader chose a box of animal crackers.
At 8:55 shoppers accessed the new aisle upon entrance, greeted first by shelves of snack crackers, chips, and award-winning wines. They toured the store, sampled ALDI exclusive brand products, and entered an on-site sweepstakes for a year’s supply of produce. ALDI currently carries a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including several organic produce items. There are over 100 products. In addition, ALDI will bring shoppers a wide range of premium groceries from which to choose, such as organic produce and fresh chicken and USDA Choice beef.
The company is committed to selling healthy options, particularly for those with food allergies and sensitivities.
- The LiveGFree® gluten-free product line is comprehensive and delicious.
- During “Celiac Awareness Month” in May, a plethora of gluten-free items were stocked: French fried onions, stuffing mix, granola bars, crackers, and new muffins and cake mixes.
- The SimplyNature line of products is free from over 125 artificial ingredients and preservatives used in the food industry.
- All exclusive brand food products are free of added MSG, certified synthetic colors, and partially-hydrogenated oils.
A devoted ALDI shopper said it is “an adventure to discover random, new, and unexpected shopping opportunities. There is something new all the time.” For example, one aisle stocked flannel sheets, an inflatable bed, and children’s toys, pajamas, and socks–geared to upcoming seasonal or holiday needs.
Over the next several years, ALDI plans to add an average of 130 new stores each year, expanding the ability to bring grocery savings to more people every day. As an employer of choice, ALDI offers employees generous wages and benefits that are higher than the National average for the retail industry. Part-time staff, averaging 25 hours per week, receive full health insurance benefits and dental coverage. All ALDI employees are invited to participate in the 401(k) program.
