ROYAL PALM BEACH, FL - Between a new 650,000-square-foot regional distribution center and headquarters opening this summer, plans for up to five new stores (more than doubling its current presence), and a pledge to create almost 100 new full-time jobs in the next few years, Aldi is planning a significant investment in the Palm Beach County area of Florida alone.
According to My Palm Beach Post, the county’s Economic Sustainability Deputy Director Sherry Howard commented that Aldi plans to open two more stores this year and another one to three more in 2016.
County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay is pleased by the retailer’s expansion plans in the area.
“One of my main priorities is to attract new industry to our area and create more employment opportunities for our residents of low to moderate income,” McKinlay, a candidate for Congress, said in the report. “The Aldi stores provide a low-cost option for consumers, operate with an emphasis on energy efficiency, and contribute a welcome new source of jobs.”
Offering development incentives to the retailer’s Florida subsidiary and tax breaks totaling about $1.7 million over the next seven years appear to have secured Aldi’s contribution to consumers and the local job market. According to the report, the deal Aldi agreed to with the county was to invest a minimum of $55 million in capital, evidently not including the new regional distribution center. That facility alone could generate a $112.5 million impact on the local economy over the next five years, the My Palm Beach Post reported.
The retailer just opened its newest store in the area last month, but outside of the projection for what years they will open, the retailer has not released any information on when the new stores mentioned will be started or completed.
