Aldi store moving forward in Highland, expected to open by year’s end
Construction is progressing on the first Aldi grocery store in Highland, located west of Scott Credit Union and Walmart off Illinois 143. (Brittany Blackwell photo)
By Brittany Blackwell
Reporter • Construction is progressing on Aldi’s first Highland location, which will offer a new grocery option, create jobs and support ongoing commercial growth in the community.
While an exact grand opening date has not yet been announced, officials said the Highland store remains on track to open before the end of the year.
Site preparation west of Scott Credit Union is underway, according to Highland City Manager Director Chris Conrad. Demolition of existing structures is complete and construction of a new roadway, expected to be named Market Street, will follow. This road, located off Cally Lane near Walmart and Scott Credit Union, will provide a second access point to the store and represents the city’s primary contribution to the project.
Conrad previously told the Times Tribune that safety was a key reason for building the new road, which required approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) due to its proximity to the state highway. Securing these permissions was a primary hurdle in the project.
“Illinois 143 can be busy at various times of the day so, from a public safety perspective, we thought it was responsible to have an alternate way out,” Conrad previously said.
Earlier this spring, the Highland City Council began the process of issuing bonds to fund the project.
According to ALDI Regional Vice President Rob Jefferies, the Highland store was selected because of increasing customer demand in the area.
“This new Highland location reflects the growing demand we’re seeing from customers in the area,” Jefferies said. “We look forward to providing a new shopping destination that supports high traffic volume daily while meeting the needs of our shoppers in every community.”
The new store will be approximately 12,000 square feet, consistent with ALDI’s standard layout. Jefferies noted that the smaller design allows the store to operate more efficiently and helps keep prices low for shoppers. He also stated that ALDI implements sustainability practices and has been recognized for environmental responsibility.
Highland Director of Economic Development Mallord Hubbard stated that discussions with Aldi began in late summer 2024, after the company approached the city with the current site selected.
It was noted that local shoppers will travel to Aldi stores in nearby towns like Glen Carbon, O’Fallon and Collinsville.
“Aldi is one of the top retailers Highland is losing out on. They have high customer loyalty,” he said.
The addition of Aldi is expected to strengthen Highland’s position as a shopping hub and is projected to create approximately 15 to 20 full-time jobs.
The new Aldi will join existing grocery stores in Highland, including Walmart, Ruler Foods, Tru-Buy, Highland Nutrition Center and Korte Meat Processing.
“We’re happy to have another grocery retailer in town,” Conrad said. “It will be a benefit to residents and prices will be lower when there is competition. It’s also a great sign for the momentum and growth of the community.”
Most Aldi stores, including the future Highland location, operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
