Discount grocer Aldi is planning to open a net total of 120 new stores in the United States this year, bringing its footprint nationwide to about 2,400 stores. Last year, the company opened or remodeled 139 locations.

That many stores puts Aldi among the largest grocery store chains in the country. As of early 2023, The Kroger Co. had 2,719 locations, and Albertsons had 2,271 locations, according to Construction Dive. Aldi's stores, which usually measure 20K SF or less, tend to be smaller than those of its competitors, however.

During the first quarter of this year, the company added 35 locations. To support its operations in the southeastern U.S., Aldi also recently opened a new 564K SF regional headquarters and distribution center in Loxley, Alabama, near Mobile.

New markets for the German grocery chain this year will include two in Louisiana: Baton Rouge and New Orleans.

Inflation is driving unprecedented demand for affordable groceries, Aldi U.S. CEO Jason Hart said in a statement.

Though the overall U.S. inflation rate came in at an annualized 5% in March, food inflation remains even higher, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, up 8.5% for the year. The price of food at home — usually purchased at grocery stores — was up 8.4% for the 12 months ending in March.