BATAVIA, Ill. — Aldi will enter California in March of next year, with plans to have about 25 stores in the state by July 2016. By the end of next year, the company says it will employ more than 1,100 people in Southern California stores, as well as at a regional headquarters and warehouse in Moreno Valley, Calif.
Aldi will enter California in March of next year, with plans to have about 25 stores in the state by July 2016. By the end of next year, the company says it will employ more than 1,100 people in Southern California stores, as well as at a regional headquarters and warehouse in Moreno Valley, Calif.
The entry is an integral part of a five-year plan to open 650 stores across the nation. By the end of 2018, Aldi expects to operate nearly 2,000 U.S. stores. To support its growth plan, the retailer will budget more than $3 billion for land, facilities and equipment.
"At Aldi, we firmly believe that amazing quality can be affordable, and we are excited to bring our small-format, convenient grocery shopping experience to Southern California," said chief executive officer Jason Hart. The chain backs up that belief by offering shoppers food "at a significant savings compared to the national brands," he commented.
To reach its expansion goals, Aldi will create more than 10,000 jobs at its stores, warehouses and division offices from coast to coast.
"We recognize and value the excellent customer experience that our employees at every level deliver each day, and we know that we would not be growing at this accelerated pace without them," said Hart. "Our approach to attracting and, equally as important, retaining the best employees is twofold. First, we offer our associates generous compensation — including benefits — which is well above the industry standard. Second, we operate within a culture that is based on respect, honesty, responsibility and open communication. Together, this is an unbeatable combination."
In Southern California, Aldi will offer starting wages of $13 per hour for store employees, with an opportunity for veterans to earn up to $21 per hour.
Moreno Valley warehouse associates will start at $19 per hour, with an opportunity to earn up to $26 per hour long term.
