Public invited to Aldi grand opening on May 4

A typical produce section. [Aldi]

The community is invited to the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Aldi grocery store at 7006 Columbia Pike, Annandale, at 8:25 a.m. on May 4.

The first 100 customers will receive a “golden ticket” containing Aldi gift cards, states a press release from the company. There will also eco-friendly bag distribution, a sweepstakes offering a chance to win a year’s supply of produce, and product samples.

Aldi operates more than 1,600 stores in 35 states. The company is in midst of an accelerated growth plan and expects to have nearly 2,000 stores by the end of 2018.

“We know Annandale residents are looking for a great value and quality groceries they love,” said Jeff Baehr, Frederick division vice president of Aldi. “Whether shoppers are looking for USDA Choice meats, organic fruits and vegetables, or gluten-free options, we have them covered with an unmatched combination of great-quality products and everyday low prices.”

The Annandale store features Aldi’s newest design, with an expanded produce section, brighter colors, high ceilings, natural lighting, and environmentally friendly building materials, such as LED lighting and energy-saving refrigeration.

According to the company, Aldi offers “a wide range of premium groceries at prices up to 50 percent less than the competitors.” The store carries the liveGfree line of gluten-free products; the SimplyNature brand of products free of artificial ingredients and preservatives; the Never Any! line of meats without antibiotics, added hormones, or animal byproducts; and Little Journey baby products.

All Aldi-exclusive food brand products are free of added MSG, certified synthetic colors, and partially hydrogenated oils, the company states. If a customer doesn’t like an Aldi exclusive brand food for any reason, the store will give them their money back and replace the product.

Aldi says it is able to offer lower prices by cutting overhead costs. The stores have a smaller footprint, use open-carton displays, and require customers to rent shopping carts for 25 cents. According to the company, employee wages are higher than the national average for the retail industry. Staff working at least 25 hours a week receive health insurance and are eligible for a 401(k) program.

The Annandale location will be open from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday. Aldi stores accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.