05/19/2026
We are excited for this addition! Many residents have expressed interest in another grocery option and this will be a wonderful option for citizens and visitors!
Aldi Grocery Store Coming to Conover's Highway 16 Corridor
CONOVER, N.C. — A new ALDI USA grocery store is set to anchor a major commercial development along North Carolina Highway 16 in Conover, positioning the discount grocer directly across from the existing Walmart Supercenter.
The City of Conover has approved rezoning for the 11.59-acre property located at 1210 N NC 16 Highway, transforming the site from its previous designation to Corridor Commercial-Conditional District (CC-CD). The rezoning, designated as R25-11, allows for the development of an Aldi grocery store along with four additional commercial outlots, expanding retail options in the rapidly growing Highway 16 corridor.
The development's site plan includes strategic traffic improvements designed to accommodate increased commercial activity. A new road connection will be constructed directly across from Zelkova Court NW at the existing traffic signal, providing a full-access entrance to the development. Additionally, a right-in, right-out entrance will be positioned along N NC 16 Highway to facilitate efficient traffic flow.
The Conover location represents part of Aldi's aggressive national expansion strategy. The German-based discount grocery chain announced plans to open more than 225 new stores across the United States in 2025, marking the company's largest expansion effort in its nearly 50-year American history. The growth initiative includes both newly constructed locations and converted stores from Aldi's 2024 acquisition of Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket chains.
As part of its five-year plan, Aldi aims to reach 3,200 stores nationwide by the end of 2028, up from approximately 2,400 stores currently operating across the country. The company is investing $9 billion over this period to expand its store footprint, strengthen supply chain infrastructure, and enhance its online shopping capabilities.
The timing of the Conover development aligns with consumer demand for affordable grocery options. Aldi has built its reputation on offering quality products at lower prices than traditional supermarkets, a value proposition that has attracted cost-conscious shoppers particularly as food prices have risen in recent years.
The Highway 16 location will position Aldi in close proximity to Walmart, creating a competitive grocery corridor in Conover. The area has seen substantial commercial development in recent years, including the nearby Microsoft Data Center project and various residential developments that are expanding the city's population base.
For North Carolina shoppers, Aldi stores typically feature a streamlined shopping experience with approximately 90% of products being Aldi-exclusive brands, along with expanded fresh produce, meat, and organic food selections. The stores are known for their efficient layout and cost-saving operational model, including a quarter-deposit cart system and a bring-your-own-bag policy.
The four additional commercial outlots planned for the development site will provide opportunities for complementary retail or service businesses, though specific tenants have not yet been announced.
No construction timeline or grand opening date has been publicly announced for the Conover location. Development details, including site plan specifications, are available through the City of Conover Planning Department.
