Aldi Opens in West Chatham

Ophelia Thomas, left, talks with 21st Ward Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. at the new ALDI at Chatham Market during the store's grand opening in Chicago hel recently. ALDI has more than 150 stores in the Chicagoland area with 54 opened in the last five years. (ALDI Photo/Brian Kersey)

Last Wednesday before last, West Chatham and 21^st Ward residents celebrated the opening of a new Aldi store located 8500 S. Holland Dr.

The store’s opening is part of the discount grocer’s Chicago area expansion. The store is the first of three scheduled to open by fall 2011.

“We are excited for the opportunity to open these additional ALDI locations in Chicago to help customers gain access to affordable, fresh food,” Mike Jessen, divisional vice president for ALDI stated in a press release. “We have been a part of the Chicago community for many years, and we are excited to help customers stretch their dollars even further in the Chatham neighborhood.”

Alderman Howard Brookins, Jr. (21^st) was also on hand for the grand opening. The alderman said the store’s opening will bring continued economic development to the area.

Ald. Brookins believes the new Aldi will serve as an “oasis” for people looking for fresh food options. He added that the store has the ability to serve people who would ordinarily not be able to access to a grocery store because of its close proximity to public transportation.

The alderman also said he helped bring the store to the area.

Additionally, Ald. Brookins’ constituents are “ecstatic” about the store’s opening. Residents see the venture as “progress” for the community because young people from the community are working in the store, he said.

Aldi has lengthened its store hours. The release stated that the measure saves shoppers money by keeping stores open during prime shopping times. The Chicago locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. ALDI accepts cash, debit and Link cards.

In celebration of the grand opening, patrons can enjoyed a free summer barbecue in the Chatham store parking, the chance to win free groceries for a year and $100 Aldi Gift Certificates to 25 winners.

Posted on 07. Jun, 2011 by citizen in Community Focus