By early 2017, two Aldi supermarkets will open in Gainesville, giving residents a new option for groceries.
One store will be located on Northwest 13th Street near Northwest 39th Avenue, said Dave Rinaldo, Aldi’s Haines City division vice president. The other will be in Butler Plaza North.
Aldi supermarkets sell food and household items like appliances, bedding and silverware.
Ninety percent of the products Aldi sells belong to brands exclusive to the store, according to its website.
The supermarket chain markets itself as a low-cost alternative to larger stores. Similar to stores in Europe, Aldi stores use a shopping-cart-rental system that requires customers to pay a quarter to rent a cart. They get the quarter back when they return the cart.
Unlike other supermarkets, Aldi does not provide plastic bags. Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own bags or purchase reusable bags at the store, according to its website.
To fill positions at the stores, Aldi will hold job fairs Tuesday and Sept. 15, according to the press release. Job fairs will run from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Those interested in applying should be able to lift at least 45 pounds and have some retail experience, Rinaldo said. Applicants are encouraged to bring identification and an updated resume.
Jorge Agz, 27, a former UF student, said he was excited about shopping at the new supermarkets.
“It’s like a European Trader Joe’s,” he said. “But slightly more Ikea.”
