Discount supermarket chain Aldi is set to purchase nearly 400 Winn-Dixie and Harvey Supermarkets from Southeastern Grocers in a cash deal set to close in the first half of 2024. LSU Economist Jim Richardson says the deal is part of Aldi’s long-term plan to expand.
“In certain areas like Georgia and Florida, there is a lot of growth in terms of population so grocery stores are important. In Louisiana and Mississippi you don’t have quite the same growth at all but they are part of the package.”
Aldi opened a $100 million regional headquarter in Alabama at the start of the year which has fueled its rapid expansion across the Gulf Coast. Richardson believes for now they will probably keep the familiar red-and-white Winn-Dixie branding.
“It’s hard to say. I think they think that name has some value to them. If they think they can do better without the name they will do it. but I think that will not come immediately – that will come after a little bit of time.”
Richardson says Aldi has leleven locations in Louisiana. He says Aldi plans to build more than 100 supermarkets over the next few years.
“Particularly they’re looking along the southeast. They looking probably Florida, Georgia – that area. And they’re thinking that maybe they can do something in New Orleans and lower Mississippi.”
Aldi will open a store in Central on August 31 and three stores in Baton Rouge and Marrero are under construction.
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