A man with a surprised expression covers his mouth in front of a Costco store entrance.

Bad news for Costco: the budget supermarket that's growing rapidly in the US

A supermarket chain surprises with its ambitious plan: over 200 openings just this year in the United States

One of the fastest-growing supermarket chains in the United States has once again made headlines. Its business model based on low prices, private label products, and smaller stores keeps gaining followers across the country. Now, its new strategy could put industry giants like Costco in a tight spot.

The company keeps expanding rapidly thanks to recent acquisitions that have allowed it to multiply its points of sale. In this context, it has announced the opening of a new store in Florida, which marks another key step in its ambitious plan. The news has sparked great excitement among local consumers and retail industry analysts.

Facade of a business center of a wholesale store with a large sign and red posts at the entrance.
Costcp faces a tough battle against one of its competitors | Costco

Aldi sets up in Florida and doesn't plan to stop

Aldi has just announced a new opening in Melbourne, Florida. The store will open on July 10 at 961 Eau Gallie Blvd; the location was previously a Winn-Dixie establishment. With this new opening, Aldi now has nine stores in Brevard County.

This move is part of its expansion plan after acquiring several Winn-Dixie locations in 2024, and the neighborhood has welcomed the chain's arrival with great enthusiasm. On social media, a resident especially praised its croissants, stating they're "better than Costco's" and cheaper. Additionally, the resident highlighted that now they prefer to make sandwiches at home with Aldi products.

Growth that puts the competition in check

Aldi plans to open 225 new stores before the end of 2025, and by the end of 2028, its goal is to reach 800 new locations. This expansion places it as one of the fastest-growing chains in the country. Just this month, 10 new stores will open in six states, including Florida, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.

A woman with a surprised expression is in the foreground while in the background the facades of two stores, one of Aldi and the other of Costco, can be seen.
Aldi plans a major expansion in the United States | Google Maps, Costco, Aldi, Dean Drobot, en.estoesatleti.es

Nine of those openings already celebrated their inauguration last Thursday. Part of this growth is explained by the purchase of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket. Thanks to that major deal, Aldi added about 400 stores throughout the southern part of the country; states like Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana are part of this strategic reinforcement.

What will happen to the purchased stores?

Not all stores will become Aldi; some will keep the Winn-Dixie brand. However, about 220 stores will be completely transformed before 2027. Customers will notice clear changes in these converted stores; prices will be lower, but there will be less variety.

More than 90% of the products Aldi sells are private label; this model has already proven to be very profitable. The company prioritizes small, agile, and well-organized spaces. With each new opening, the pressure on rivals like Costco increases.