GARDEN GROVE, CA—Population density, proximity to competition,cost of the property and traffic patterns are all of the factorsthe grocery chain looks for when considering amarket in which to locate, ALDI's Moreno division director of operationsBob Schmalz tells GlobeSt.com. Earlier this month,the firm opened its first Garden Grove, CA, store, located at9901 Chapman Ave. here.

ALDI has more than 1,600 stores in 35 states serving more than 40million customers each month and is known for high-qualitygroceries at low prices. We spoke with Schmalz about the brand'slocation philosophy and how it evaluates markets for itsstores.

GlobeSt.com: What makes the Garden Grove marketideal for this store opening?

Schmalz: Right now, we're focused ongrowing in existing markets such as Southern California andexpanding our US footprint to bring more shoppers premium,high-quality groceries at impossibly low prices. It's clear thatshoppers in this market are looking for great value, and ALDI isthe answer, with our unique combination of quality exclusive brandsand prices up to 50% less than traditional grocers.

GlobeSt.com: What do you look for in the marketswhere you locate?

Schmalz: We look at a lot of factorsbefore choosing an ALDI location, like population density,proximity to competition, cost of the property and trafficpatterns. We want to be conveniently located for our shoppers. Whenit comes to choosing store locations, we want the best sites thatare closest to our shoppers.

GlobeSt.com: Who is your targetshopper?

Schmalz: The ALDI shopper is the smartshopper, and that's always been the case. As we've grown, more andmore people are catching on: you don't have to pay high prices forhigh quality. If you like shopping for the highest-quality productsat the lowest possible prices in a simple, easy-to-shop grocerystore, then ALDI is for you.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know aboutyour location philosophy?

Schmalz: From our point of view, nomatter where we are, smart shoppers find us because they know theycan save time and money at ALDI without sacrificing quality. Rightnow, we're focused on expanding here in the US, with the goal ofhaving nearly 2,000 ALDI stores from coast to coast by 2018. Wealready have more than 1,600 stores in 35 states, serving more than40 million customers each month. We're excited to bring the ALDIdifference to 45 million customers by the end of 2018.