Aldi Wants to Build Another Location in the Corridor

Attention Aldi shoppers! According to a new article from the Cedar Rapids Gazette, a new Aldi store has been proposed in the Corridor.

As of right now, there are six Aldi locations the area: three in Cedar Rapids, one in Marion, one in Coralville, and one in Iowa City. North Liberty may be added to that list very soon! The Gazette reports that a commercial building permit was filed back on June 2nd for a brand new store at 725 N Highway 965, which is next to Leaderboard Sports Bar across the street from Jimmy John’s and McDonald’s. The 20,664-square-foot Aldi will cost around $4 million to build.

Before the new North Liberty Aldi can be built, it first needs to get approval from the North Liberty City Council. But, the article notes that "the city’s planning commission unanimously recommends approval, as does city staff." The City Council will meet tonight to discuss the issue, so keep your fingers crossed!

Aldi was first opened in Germany back in 1961 by the Albrecht Family. Their website says that it was not only the first discount grocery store in the country, but in the entire world! It made its way to the U.S. in 1976 when the first American store opened here in Iowa. It was located in in the K-mart Plaza in Iowa City, according to an article from Winsight Grocery Business. Since then, the chain has continued to expand, with more than 2,000 stores across America. Aldi is known for its small store layout, low prices, and customer service.

The grocery chain that I wish would expand here in the Corridor is Trader Joe's. There are currently only two locations in Iowa: one in Coralville and one in West Des Moines. I think it would do very well in Cedar Rapids and I would shop there way more if I didn't have to drive 30 minutes to get there! Trader Joe's... call me! Let's make this happen!