First Maine Aldi Store Sets Official Opening Date

It feels like we have been talking about the opening of Maine's first Aldi grocery store for years.  In reality, it has been over a year since the announcement that we would be getting an Aldi.

Now, those in the know are saying that the store will finally open later this month.

According to an article on the WGME website, the ribbon cutting for the store, which is located in the former Big Lots store in Portland’s Pine Tree Shopping Center on Brighton Avenue, will take place on Thursday, March 26th.

Once open, the store will be open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM.

About Aldi

Founded in 1946 by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht, Aldi began as a small grocery shop in Essen taken over from their mother. In 1960, the business split into two independent companies that later became Aldi Nord, based in Essen, and Aldi Süd, headquartered in nearby Mülheim. Two years later, the name Aldi was introduced, short for “Albrecht Diskont.” Although the two divisions have been financially and legally separate since 1966, they often appear unified through shared branding and supplier negotiations.

Aldi is a major rival of Lidl and is known for its no-frills store design and low prices. The chain focuses on everyday essentials such as food, beverages, and household items, with most products sold under Aldi-owned private labels. These include names like Grandessa, Happy Farms, Millville, Simply Nature, Clancy’s, and Fit & Active, many of which are produced by major manufacturers.

While private labels dominate, Aldi also carries select well-known brands in certain countries, including Haribo in Germany, Knoppers in parts of Europe and the U.S., Marmite and Branston Pickle in the U.K., and Vegemite and Milo in Australia. Coupon use is generally not accepted, though limited trials have taken place in the United States.

Beyond its core inventory, Aldi offers weekly rotating specials that can range from clothing and toys to electronics and small appliances. Some of these limited-time deals have historically sold out within hours. In the U.S., these changing items are often grouped in a central section known as “Aldi Finds,” informally nicknamed the “aisle of shame.”

Aldi is also the largest wine retailer in Germany. Many stores in Australia and parts of the U.S. sell beer and wine where local laws allow. In 2019, Aldi Süd introduced a smaller-format concept in Great Britain called Aldi Local, beginning in south London. These stores carry fewer products, emphasize fresh food, and omit the chain’s signature middle aisle of weekly specials.