Aldi to open store in Natrona Heights

It’s official: Aldi is coming to Natrona Heights.

Company officials confirmed the announcement Monday, saying construction of the discount supermarket is expected to begin later this year.

No other details were released, including the exact location of the store.

“We are excited to confirm we are planning to open a new Aldi store in Harrison, in Natrona Heights, later this year,” said Aldi Saxonburg Division Vice President JR Perry.

The announcement put an end to speculation that swirls regularly among hopeful fans of the chain.

Founded in 1961 in Germany, Aldi has grown in popularity so much so that it sees 40 million customers a month across the United States, according to the company website.

Headquartered in Batavia, Ill., Aldi has more than 2,000 stores across 36 states and employs more than 25,000 people.

Locally, stores are in Lower Burrell, Tarentum, Penn Hills, Kittanning and Shaler.

This month, Aldi officials announced a 21,000-square-foot site would be built on the former Kmart property along Tarentum Bridge Road in New Kensington.

The news of a store planned for Natrona Heights appeared to please some shoppers at the Aldi in Pittsburgh Mills.

“I hope they put it somewhere that will boost access to fresh food for people who don’t drive,” said Jane Mocks, a shopper from Tarentum.

Beth Ann Dietz of Natrona Heights said she’ll be happy for a shorter commute, not having to drive across the bridge to Lower Burrell or travel up Route 28 to the Mills.

Aldi is popular not only for slashed prices on store-brand foods but for its rotating offerings of housewares, gardening supplies, flowers and other specialty items.

“You never know what you’ll find,” Dietz said. “I imagine it will give some competition to Walmart.”