The new Lakeland Aldi has all major construction done, the parking lots and landscaping have been installed, and the only thing left is stocking the store with groceries. According to people familiar with the project, Aldi representatives were in town this week to inspect the new store and a February opening is all but certain.
The ALDI project has been highly anticipated now since the summer of 2019. From this Lakeland Currents article dated June 13, 2019, former Vice Mayor Josh Roman provided insight into the development at that time saying, “This project goes back last year to my stint as liaison on the EDC (Economic Development Council) and IDB (Industrial Development Board). Dexter (Muller) and I have been working on this project for a long time. We’re excited Aldi sees the value in choosing Lakeland for its next location. We’re growing and they want to be part of our exciting city. We feel confident that Aldi will be in Lakeland very soon.” The current Vice Mayor, Michelle Dial, expressed her excitement for the new Aldi opening saying, “I have been an Aldi shopper for years and I’m thrilled for our community to have one where we can shop closer to home.”
Lakeland Residents are just as excited about the Aldi opening as city officials. Local resident Jonathan Lemmons told Lakeland Currents, “I’ve been wanting an Aldi in Lakeland for years and now the opening is just a few weeks away! The prices are low and the produce is phenomenal. I could not be more excited.”
The exact date of the February opening is still not set in stone but officials confirmed announcements will be made by the Aldi team soon. While Aldi does not typically schedule grand openings and ribbon cuttings, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce still hopes to have a small ceremony to signify the historical day. Brittney Buchanan, Executive Director of the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce said, “We may do a short and sweet ribbon cutting right before the doors open but not a big advertised ribbon cutting like normal.”
