ALDI Grocery Store Opens

Long Beach’s first ALDI opened with fanfare Dec. 15.

The grocery store – located on the city’s north-west side at 4580 Atlantic Ave. in Bixby Knolls – offers a fresh supply of produce, breads, meats and cheeses as well as items for last-minute Christmas and Hanukah gifts.

“ALDI brings customers the best of their weekly must-haves at prices up to 50 percent less than those at traditional grocery stores,” read a statement. “We carry everything from organic produce and USDA Choice meats to the liveGfree gluten-free product line and the SimplyNature line of products, free from over 125 artificial ingredients and preservatives.”

More than 90 percent of the products on ALDI’s shelves are under its exclusive brands, allowing for lower costs to patrons.

“Thanks to input from ALDI fans, we removed added MSG, certified synthetic colors and partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) from all of our exclusive brand food products,” according to the statement.

A line of customers stretched the length of the parking lot during the grand opening and entered after the ribbon-cutting to check out the discounts.

“I came to see the goodies they have for me in there,” said customer Ruby Davidson, who stood in line waiting to get in. “I heard they got some good stuff in there.”

Marlena Burnett bought a massager for a Christmas gift.

“I love the location and hopefully ALDI will be here to stay,” she said.

Eighth District Councilmember Al Austin expressed joy at the store opening.

“This has been in the works for two years,” he said. “Not only are we thrilled to have the only ALDI in Long Beach, but we’re thrilled about the new development.”

Austin said the grocer is good for the Bixby Knolls community.

“It’s an early holiday gift,” he added.

Vicky Ramirez said, “There are a lot of good items at a low price.”

Founded in Germany, ALDI has been popular in Europe for years. The chain now operates in the U.S. with close to 1,600 stores in 34 states.

kirt@beachcomber.news