A mix of small independent grocers and large regional chain supermarkets is primarily responsible for keeping our cupboards full. But in recent years, a handful of grocers have been expanding their national presence. If one of the stores below isn’t already in your neck of the woods, it may be soon.
Aldi has over 2,000 stores in 39 states and plans to raise that number to 2,600 by the end of 2025. Based in Germany, the store is bare-bones—you’ll generally find no pharmacy or cafe, and it neither issues nor honors coupons. But you’ll find low prices on Aldi-exclusive products, which make up 90 percent of the offerings. Be sure to bring a quarter, as you’ll need it for a shopping cart deposit.
Costco’s rotisserie chickens have become a national obsession and are now roasting at over 600 locations across 47 states. The warehouse club derives revenue from membership fees (either $65 or $130 per year) that help keep the markups on the products it sells—most of which are sold in bulk—low. While typical supermarkets stock around 30,000 products, Costco stocks just over 4,000. Its house brand, Kirkland Signature, is top-notch.
Target can now be found in all 50 states with more than 1,980 stores, most of which sell food at competitive prices. It has several private-label grocery brands, including five for its wine and spirit collections. If you pay with a Target Circle credit card, you get 5 percent off your purchases.
