Q: What is happening with the Aldi’s that was supposed to be built near Walmart on Collier Boulevard?

— Judy Chrapcynski, East Naples

A: The third Aldi store in the Naples area is targeted to open in early summer near the southeast corner of U.S. 41 East and Collier Boulevard, according to a spokesman for the discount grocery chain.

The new 19,054-square-foot store is under construction in a freestanding building at 13080 U.S. 41 E. in Tamiami Crossing, a retail center that also is home to Stein Mart, Ross, Marshalls, Michaels, PetSmart, Ulta and Aspen Dental.

“The new Naples Aldi store layout will feature expansive refrigeration space to accommodate the fresh, healthy and convenient products people want most,” said Chris Hewitt, vice president of Aldi’s Royal Palm Beach Division, which includes all of South Florida. “Aldi recently expanded its fresh product offerings, making 20 percent of its total selection new. This expansion is part of the company’s aggressive national growth and remodel plan, and it includes a 40 percent increase in its fresh food selection, with many organic, convenient and easy-to-prepare options. We will be in touch as more information becomes available.”

Hewitt could not confirm plans submitted with the Collier County Growth Management Department for another grocery store proposed near the northwest corner of Immokalee Road and Collier Boulevard in North Naples. Preliminary plans show a 22,731-square-foot Aldi store to be built near the new Addison Place luxury apartments on Immokalee Road.

“At this time, we do not have any information to share about a potential fourth Aldi store opening in Naples,” Hewitt said. “However, Aldi is one of the fastest-growing retailers in the U.S., a favorite among savvy shoppers and always looking to open new stores. As the demand for Aldi grows, so do our real estate options, and we want to open new stores that are conveniently located for our shoppers.”

The national chain launched its first area store in November 2016 near Costco on Naples Boulevard in North Naples. Its second opened in August at Countryside Shoppes on the southwest corner of Santa Barbara Boulevard and Radio Road in East Naples. Aldi also has regional locations in Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres.

The new locations are part of the grocer’s $5.3 billion investment to remodel and expand to 2,500 stores nationwide by the end of 2022. Based in Germany with U.S. headquarters in Illinois, Aldi operates more than 1,800 stores in 35 states, including 129 in Florida.

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