Tom Palmer Manager for Economic Development
Phone: (972) 216-6340
Mobile: (214) 729-6142
E-mail: tpalmer@ci.mesquite.tx.us
ALDI to open one of its first Texas stores in Mesquite Ann Marie Shambaugh | 07-Jul-2009
Mesquite will be one of the first cities in Texas to have an ALDI grocery store when the select assortment discount grocer opens its doors in spring 2010 at 3635 Gus Thomasson Rd. ALDI is opening its first 10 stores in Texas next year.
ALDI primarily sells its own brand, which is tested against name brands for quality. Instead of selling eight brands of ketchup, for example, the store will only carry ALDI brand, saving space and cost.
“It’s easy to get in and get out,” ALDI spokeswoman Martha Swaney said. “You’ll know that the [item] on the shelf is the best one, and we’ve already done the homework for you.”
The 17,000-square-foot building will be similar in size to a convenience store, and it will carry 1,400 of the most frequently purchased grocery and household items.
Mesquite Manager of Economic Development Tom Palmer said he hopes the new store will encourage more economic growth in a vital part of town.
“It is an entry gateway off of Interstate 30, and it’s very visible to lots of traffic,” Palmer said. “It begins to present a new front door for us, and we think that sets a very positive tone for other redevelopments.”
The Mesquite ALDI store will feature bright colors and graphics. It will also use energy efficient lighting and refrigeration, which will result in savings passed on the customers, Swaney said.
ALDI also promotes savings n and green living n by charging 6 cents per plastic bag for carrying groceries. The store encourages shoppers to bring their own bags, which reduces waste and cost, because ALDI purchases less bags.
“If [shoppers] prefer to keep those 6 cents in their pocket, they can bring a bag from home,” Swaney said.
Through these cost-reducing efforts, ALDI officials said that shoppers spend 37 percent less than at traditional supermarkets and 22 percent to 26 percent less than big box stores.
Palmer said he expects Mesquite’s ALDI to quickly become a success.
“I think ALDI is going to be very proud of their store, and it’s going to do quite well here,” Palmer said.
