Aldi expands presence in Chicago with new store openings

Aldi is set to open a new store in Chicago's West Loop in 2026, marking a significant expansion in the discount grocery giant's local footprint, according to the Biz Journals. The store will occupy nearly 22,000 square feet at 1016 W. Jackson Blvd., at the base of a 380-unit apartment tower developed by Chicago-based Mavrek Development. This move reflects Aldi's commitment to serving the growing residential population in the neighborhood, where more than 2,000  apartments are under construction or recently completed, according to real estate data firm Integra Realty Resources.

The grocery store lease is for 15 years with options to extend, signaling a long-term investment in the community, Mavrek's Chief Investment Officer Anthony Hrusovsky said. Plans are for 20% of the units to be affordable housing. The Aldi store is expected to open in the second half of 2026, catering to increasing demand from new residents and nearby institutions such as the Illinois Medical District and the University of Illinois Chicago.

New River North store and broader expansion plans

In addition to the West Loop project, Aldi recently opened a 25,000-square-foot location at 30 W. Huron St. in River North, in a retail space formerly occupied by Whole Foods and within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, as Crain’s Chicago Business reports. This store's debut on Thursday expands Aldi's access to downtown shoppers and complements its existing Chicago location in the Gold Coast.

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Aldi's Regional Vice President Shane Williams highlighted the company’s focus on delivering “the best products at the lowest possible prices of any national grocer.” With a robust pipeline, Aldi has pledged to invest $9 billion to open 800 new stores nationwide by 2028, including 330 across the Midwest and Northeast. The new West Loop and River North stores align with this vision, supporting both urban growth and evolving consumer needs.

Mavrek Development is also advancing other downtown projects, including a 248-unit high-rise in Streeterville and plans to convert a vintage office tower into apartments, indicating an active role in Chicago’s residential and retail development.