The US State That's Home To The Most Aldi Stores

Aldi is well-known for its one-of-a-kind shopping experience and extra-low prices. Regular customers would never show up to an Aldi without a quarter for the shopping cart and reusable grocery bags, for instance. With the fastest cashiers in the West and a loyal fanbase, it's no wonder Aldi is the fast growing grocery store chain in America, opening more than 100 new stores in 2023 with plans to open 800 more by 2028.

It turns out one state in particular boasts the most Aldi stores: Florida. It currently has 220 Aldi locations (the Orlando area alone has 13 stores). What's more, Floridians can expect a big boom of additional Aldis in the second half of 2024. As part of that move, the grocery giant purchased the Winn-Dixie grocery chain and will be converting 50 of its stores to Aldis, providing Floridians with even more places to pick up their favorite low-cost groceries.

While the Sunshine State can bask in its abundance of Aldi locations, other states aren't so lucky. Currently, Aldi stores are found in 39 U.S. states and territories, which means many are still missing out on the Aldi goodness (sorry, Idaho and Maine!). But it's possible that Florida won't be the leader for long. Nipping at its heels in the Aldi race is Illinois, which comes in at a close second with 216 stores. And while Orlando can brag about having 13 stores, it doesn't hold a candle to Chicago, which currently hosts 34 Aldi locations).

Aldi has a 40-plus-year legacy, getting its start in Germany in 1961 and opening its first U.S. location in 1976 (in Iowa, which currently has 39 stores, for those of you keeping track). But why do people love the chain so much? First, the stores are small and easy to navigate. The brand prides itself on keeping prices low, which it achieves through creative cost-saving methods like displaying food in shipping boxes so employees don't constantly have to restock, and not staffing employees to return carts from parking lot to store (that's why you need a quarter to use a shopping cart, as the only way to get the quarter back is to return the cart).

Aldi has proven that it's dedicated to providing customers with the lowest prices in town, which has become more important than ever for modern shoppers. Aldi routinely comes out on top when its grocery costs are compared to other popular low-cost grocers like Walmart and Target. Customers appreciate the affordable grocery items and have even come to love the unexpected and quirky delights that can be found in the non-food aisle of the store, typically located in the center of the layout. Commonly called the "Aisle of Shame," this fun collection of goods can contain anything from candles to pool toys, to dog collars.