ALDI Growth

Q: What is ALDI’s growth plan?

A: As part of its ambitious national growth strategy, ALDI will be adding over 800 stores nationwide by 2028.  As a key part of these plans, ALDI has also announced the successful close of its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners, further accelerating its nationwide expansion to deepen its presence in the Southeast region. With this news, ALDI is now one of the nation’s fastest-growing grocers, bringing even more communities great products at the lowest possible prices.

Q: How many of the 800 stores are from the acquisition?

A: The majority of the 800 ALDI stores opening over the next five years are the result of organic growth as more customers rely on us for quality, affordable groceries.

Q: With the Acquisition of SEG, what is the new total store count?

A: Currently, we operate nearly 2,400 stores in 38 states and Washington D.C., and we’re excited to continue counting new communities as a part of our ALDI footprint. The acquisition brings our total store count to approximately 2,800 stores.

Q: Why and how has ALDI accelerated growth during a time when others are slowing down?

A: Our growth is led by our customers, and they continue to want more ALDI locations in their communities so they can fill their carts for less. Our quicker, easier shopping experience and great products at the lowest possible prices drive customers to our doors. That value is what keeps them coming back because no one wants to spend more than they have to on groceries. When customers learn they can rely on us for affordable, quality groceries, they keep shopping with us, even when the economy improves.

Q: What is driving demand for ALDI stores in communities?

A: Finding ways to save customers money has always been a part of our mission. We know existing ALDI fans are counting on us, and others who haven’t shopped with us yet are excited to experience the ALDI difference. Once shoppers experience ALDI, they keep coming back. We stock our shelves with only what shoppers want and need, and nothing else, so customers can get in and out. But that doesn’t mean shopping at ALDI is boring. Every week, customers can take grocery shopping from errand to adventure with ALDI Finds, a selection of on-trend, limited-time products including items ranging from unique seasonal foods, home goods, clothing for the whole family, workout equipment, furniture and décor, and so much more. Private label products are our primary offering. Our expert focus here allows us to get the trending items customers love onto our shelves while cutting costs and passing on savings to our customers. For example, when we saw our wine sales reaching double-digit growth, ALDI decided to launch the Specially Selected Wine Collection meant to meet shoppers’ increasing appetite for premium items for less. With Wine Enthusiast naming seven ALDI wines as Best Buys, it's safe to say our customers can rely on ALDI for winning private label selections across categories. With a carefully curated selection of quality fresh groceries at the lowest prices possible, we strive to offer customers the best for a whole lot less.

Q: What makes ALDI confident they will achieve their goal of opening approximately 800 stores by 2028?

A: ALDI has a deep history of rapid nationwide expansion. We opened about 100 stores per year over the past decade and we’re excited to continue our momentum. Our quicker, easier shopping experience and great products at the lowest possible prices drive customers to our doors. That value is what keeps millions of customers across the country shopping our aisles each month because no one wants to spend more than they have to on groceries. We can’t wait for more people to discover ALDI in their community.

Q: Is ALDI focusing on any specific new markets in the years ahead, in addition to the Southeast as result of the acquisition? Which new markets is ALDI planning on entering?

A: As part of our growth trajectory, ALDI will strengthen its already strong presence in the Northeast and Midwest, adding nearly 330 stores across both regions by the end of 2028. ALDI will also grow its presence in the West by adding more stores in Southern California and Phoenix — and by entering new cities, like Las Vegas. The acquisition of Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners will deepen our presence in the Southeast region with plans for significant growth in the area over the next few years.

Q: How does ALDI decide which markets to enter?

A: We’re always exploring opportunities to bring ALDI to new communities across the country and look at every new store as an opportunity to offer more people great products at the lowest possible prices. When it comes to choosing new store locations, we carefully consider several factors like existing shopping options and population growth trends. Above all else, we look for convenient locations for our customers.

Q: Does ALDI plan to have stores in all 50 states? If so, when?

A: Currently, we operate nearly 2,400 stores in 38 states and Washington D.C., and we’re excited to continue counting new communities as a part of our ALDI footprint. While we can’t say we have plans for all 50 states, the continued expansion of our footprint, including this acquisition, further solidifies ALDI as one of the fastest-growing grocers in the country.

Q: Will new stores have any new features or offerings?

A: ALDI is designed to offer a quicker, easier and more enjoyable shopping experience with great products at the lowest possible prices. These new stores will reflect this same experience that has been time-tested by our shoppers. As one of the fastest-growing retailers in the country, ALDI is committed to making sure our environmental footprint doesn't grow with us. That’s why we’re building and remodelling all of our stores with sustainability top of mind. From energy-efficient LED lighting, to environmentally friendly refrigeration systems, to rooftop solar systems, ALDI is reducing emissions across its stores and warehouses. Through these efforts and more, ALDI is striving to make sustainability affordable and accessible for everyone.

Acquisition

Q: Why did ALDI acquire Southeastern Grocers?

A: We are excited to close the acquisition of Southeastern Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners to accelerate our national growth, bringing great products at the lowest possible prices to even more communities. This landmark moment in our company history builds on our national growth strategy, solidifying ALDI as one of the nation’s fastest-growing grocers. We look forward to delivering even more convenience and value to our customers in a fast-growing region with many ALDI fans who rely on us for quality, affordable groceries.

Q: I heard my store is converting and I’m interested in working at ALDI, what should I do?

A: Visit https://careers.aldi.us/SEGopportunities and use the job matching section to apply to your matched position.

Q: My store is not converting, but I’m interested in working at ALDI, what should I do?

A: Visit https://careers.aldi.us/ for opportunities at existing ALDI locations.

Q: Are we able to access ALDI opportunities on the SEG portal?

A: The SEG portal will not show open ALDI positions, however, a dedicated careers website has been created exclusively for Winn-Dixie and Harveys employees; visit https://careers.aldi.us/SEGopportunities.

Q: How will I know if the job is a lateral role, promotion, or demotion?

A: The job matching tool included in www.careers.aldi.us/SEGOpportunities will help ensure applicants apply for the role that best matches their current role at Winn-Dixie or Harveys.

Q: Am I able to shadow a role in an ALDI store to better understand the role?

A: While shadowing roles is not available, day on the job videos have been specifically created for Winn-Dixie and Harveys employees to better understand ALDI stores and the positions that will be available. Visit https://careers.aldi.us/SEGopportunities for more information.

Q: What makes ALDI confident that the acquisition will be successful?

A: Growth is not something new for us. ALDI expansion across the country over the past decade has been extremely successful and we anticipate similar success with this investment. In fact, we’ve been opening about 100 new ALDI stores per year over the last ten years across the country. In 2023, we opened more than 130 stores, bringing us to nearly 2,400 stores nationwide across 38 states, in addition to the acquisition. And we’re committed to keeping that pace to help even more customers get the quality, affordable groceries they want and need. Over the next five years, ALDI plans to invest more than $9 billion to add more than 800 stores nationwide.

Q: At close or in the future, what will happen to the Winn-Dixie brand?

A: As part of this accelerated expansion, we will convert a significant number of stores to the ALDI format over several years. As we said in our August signing announcement, we intend that a meaningful amount of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets will continue to operate under their current banners. Starting mid-summer, we will begin a phased approach to the store conversion process. We anticipate that approximately 50 stores will begin the conversion process during the latter half of 2024, with the majority of these stores reopening as ALDI in 2025.

Q: Will shoppers start to see the Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket private labels within ALDI stores? And vice versa?

A: No. Shoppers can expect the same private label brands they know and love at ALDI, Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets.

Q: What is the plan for Southeastern Grocers associates? If stores convert or close, will they be offered positions at ALDI?

A: Those impacted by store conversions in 2024 will have the opportunity to be the first to apply to newly converted ALDI stores. In addition, ALDI is committed to doing its best to minimize that impact and provide support and opportunities to employees at converting stores, including the potential alternative option to remain with SEG and transferred to a neighboring SEG store. Those who are not transferred or do not get hired at a converted or existing ALDI store will be provided career development and training support as well as severance packages. The remaining SEG stores will operate business as usual to continue providing our customers and communities with the quality, affordable groceries they’ve come to expect from us.

Q: What happens to me if my store is selected to convert?

A: Associates at store that will be converting to an ALDI will receive personalized communication notifying them of plans, opportunities and resources with sufficient notice prior to a store beginning conversion. Transparency and timely notification are top priorities for both ALDI and SEG leadership. Associates impacted by store conversions in 2024 will have the opportunity to be the first to apply to newly converted ALDI stores. In addition, ALDI is committed to doing its best to minimize that impact and provide support and opportunities to employees at converting stores, including the potential alternative option to remain with SEG and transfer to a neighboring SEG store. We encourage all associates to reach out to their direct managers with any questions in the meantime.

Recruiting / Hiring Process

Q: How long will the hiring process take, and how will I find out whether or not I got the job?

A: The hiring process may vary depending on the role and location. Candidates will receive communication via phone/email/text to keep them updated throughout the entirety of the process. Hiring decisions – whether an offer or decline – will be communicated to all those who interview.

Q: Will I need to go through the full background check process (to include any pre-employment assessment) if I transfer from a Winn-Dixie or Harveys to an ALDI store?

A: Yes, all job offers are contingent upon ALDI’s receipt of satisfactory results of the pre-employment screening process.

Q: What will the interview process look like?

A: Candidates that apply to a Lead Store Associate (LSA), Assistant Store Manager (ASM) or Store Manager Trainee (SMT) role will be asked to participate in two to three interviews totaling 60-90 mins. Applicants that apply to a Full-Time Store Associate, Part-Time Store Associate, Cashier, or Stocker role will be asked to participate in one to two interviews totaling 20-30 mins.

Q: Where will interviews take place?

A: Interviews will take place in your store, at a neighboring ALDI store, or at a hotel. The location of the interview will be noted in your interview invite.

Q: How should I prepare for the interview?

A: Associates should prepare for meaningful conversations about their store experience. To support this, you have received a Career Toolkit to assist you with preparing for interviews. If offered an interview, please partner with your manager so they can cover the schedule accordingly. A resume is not required for ALDI interviews. Additionally, we encourage you to review the content throughout this website and attend our Engagement Days.

Q: Will I be able to work at the converting store location?

A: Applicants will be considered for both the converting store location and nearby ALDI locations. Candidates will be able to discuss any location questions during the interview process and ALDI will be mindful of location preferences where possible. ALDI will identify your anticipated working location if you are extended an offer. Once you have successfully completed training, you may apply to any open roles across the ALDI network to be considered for a transfer.

Q: Are full-time employees guaranteed 40-hour work weeks?

A: Full-time employees work an average of 30 hours or more per week based on ALDI’s operational schedule. ALDI may make scheduling exceptions to accommodate changes in operational needs.

Q: How many hours will I typically work each week?

A: Hours worked will vary from position to position and week to week based on business needs and seasonality. However, listed below is a summary of average hours by position:

• Store Managers work approximately 50 hours each week.
• Store Manager Trainees work approximately 50 hours each week.
• Assistant Store Managers work approximately 38 hours each week.
• Lead Store Associates work approximately 32-38 hours each week.
• Full Time Store Associates work approximately 32-38 hours each week.
• Part Time positions work less than 30 hours per week, averaging between 10 and 20 hours per week.

Q: What availability does ALDI require?

A: Availability requirements may vary by position and store location and are also based on business needs and seasonality. Please speak with an ALDI representative at Engagement Day for more information.

Q: Can I apply to multiple roles?

A: Yes. Converting store employees interested in working at ALDI can apply to more than one position. By using our job matching tool, you can find the position(s) that best align with your skills and experience. If you are interested in another role, in addition to the one you’ve matched with, you are welcome to apply. Make sure to tell your ALDI interviewer about the roles you’ve applied for during your interview. This allows them to consider you for all positions.

Q: Will I receive training and what will this look like?

A: Absolutely! Our effective and impactful training program has been skillfully created for every new ALDI employee. Approximate training timelines are outlined below by position:

• Store Manager Trainee (SMT): ~4-6 months
• Assistant Store Manager (ASM): ~12 weeks
• Lead Store Associate (LSA): ~6 weeks
• Store Associate, Stocker, and Cashier (PT or FT): ~2 weeks
  

Q: What is the Store Manager Trainee (SMT) program?

A: As a Store Manager Trainee, you will complete a ~4-6 month training program designed to prepare you to take over an ALDI store. You will train across all positions in the store; working your way up from a Store Associate to a Store Manager. The program time may vary based on candidate readiness and Store Manager position openings. However, the program is not intended to last longer than one year. After completion of the SMT program, and approval from your leader, you should begin applying to internal Store Manager positions for placement.

Q: How do I become a Store Manager?

A: Store Managers are promoted from the Assistant Store Manager and Store Manager Trainee roles. Candidates are eligible to apply for Store Manager positions upon successful completion of the training program and are encouraged to sign up for job alerts to stay informed of upcoming opportunities. Please speak with an ALDI representative at Engagement Day for further information.

Q: Will I be expected to travel while I train or while waiting for the new ALDI store to open?

A: ALDI is committed to providing you with top quality training. While we will strive to place as many people as possible at our nearest locations, you may be asked to travel to receive your training. Additionally, there may be times when overnight travel is required for training. If overnight travel is required, ALDI will cover expenses relating to meals, hotels, and mileage (stipulations apply). Please speak with an ALDI representative at Engagement Day about training options in your area.

Q: What is the dress code at ALDI?

A: All store employees are required to wear dark or khaki pants, or denim jeans. ALDI will provide employees with shirts, a fleece jacket, and reimbursement for approved safety shoes.

Q: What district, regional or distribution center opportunities are available for SEG employees?

A: All open positions are posted on careers.aldi.us. SEG associates may visit the site to sign up for job alerts and to apply to open positions. SEG employees will be prioritized for interviews for any open store and warehouse positions in the Southeast. Please speak with an ALDI representative at Engagement Day for further information.

Benefits

Q: What can you tell me about ALDI’s medical, dental, vision and prescription benefits?

A: These will be discussed during the interview and recruiting process. Further details will also be provided upon contingent job offer.

Q: If I join ALDI, when will my benefits (i.e., medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D, short-term disability, long-term disability) go into effect?

A: All current SEG employees hired into full-time roles will be eligible for benefits on their first day of employment at ALDI.

Q: Will my SEG tenure be recognized by ALDI for paid time-off benefits?

A: ALDI will recognize SEG tenure for PTO for current SEG employees hired into full-time ALDI roles. For example, SEG employees with 18 years’ of tenure will accrue up to 25 days of vacation in their first year with ALDI! (based on a 5-day, 40 hour work week) PTO offered by role is included in the position-specific benefits summary. PTO for hourly roles at ALDI (i.e., Store Manager Trainee below) is included below.

Paid Time Off