Inglewood and Palmdale will be home to a new grocery chain that is expected to open 25 stores between March and July 2016 and a total of 45 locations by the end of next year.
Called ALDI, the privately-held grocer started operating in Germany and arrived in America in 1976 It is currently an independently managed and operated chain. The 25 stores are expected to hire about 1,100 employees with each location staffed by about 20 people.
What distinguishes ALDI from its competitors is a model that features stores that will stock 1,300 of the most commonly purchased items and most of them private-label products. The stores will also carry USDA choice meats, premium cheeses, as well as fresh dairy , produce and bakery items along with award-winning wines.
The stores are smaller than the average American grocer and are comprised of four to five aisles that are typically eight feet wide. Food is stocked on the shelves in boxes and on pallets. ALDI only accepts cash, debit cards, and EBT cards. They don’t take checks or credit cards. However, the company is currently piloting accepting the latter, and if that program works it will be rolled out to all locations.
Shoppers must pay 25 cents for the rental of a cart and will receive a refund when it is returned. They also must bring their own bags and bag the food themselves.
According to a company representative, because the firm primarily features its own brands, shoppers can save as much as 50 percent on groceries.
ALDI will hold a number of hiring events in the coming weeks with the next one planned for Thursday in 11 communities including at the Comfort Inn and Suits at 4922 W. Century Blvd. in Inglewood. These particular events will hire for shift managers making from $18 to $23 per hour in stores expected to be located in Anaheim, Arcadia, Buena Park, Cerritos, Covina, Fountain Valley, Inglewood, La Puente, La Verne, Palmdale and South Gate. Individuals must be at least 18 years old to apply, posses a high school diploma or GED and be able to work anytime between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
The Inglewood location will be at 3330 W. Century Blvd. while the Palmdale store will be 740 W. Rancho Vista Blvd.
