Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Kennesaw Will Soon "Sport" New Aldi

Aldi's newly opened Tucker location
Discount grocer adding second Kennesaw store.  

Aldi, the German based discount grocer, has reportedly signed a lease on the former Sports Authority at Barrett Place, just off Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw. Sports Authority was one of the center's anchors until it closed last year after filing for bankruptcy.   

The space, which measures just over 42,000 square feet, is far larger than a typical Aldi store.  That said, sources say that Aldi intends to occupy about 18,000-20,000 square feet of the space, with plans to sublease the balance to another tenant.  Built in 1994, Barrett Place is home to Best Buy, Michaels, PetSmart, OfficeMax, The Furniture Mall and a freestanding TGI Friday's restaurant. 

Aldi already operates one Kennesaw location, a freestanding store at 3076 Cobb Parkway,  about six miles from the Barrett Place store. 

Lidl, another German based grocer, is planning to enter the U.S. market later this summer, in advance of an earlier planned 2018 debut, with about 20 locations in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.   Lidl is actively planning upwards of a dozen new locations in Georgia that may open as early as next spring.  

The company is planning at least two locations in Cobb county, in Mableton and near Sandy Plains and Shallowford Road in northeast Cobb. Lidl is targeting freestanding parcels on which they plan to operate roughly 36,000 square foot stores, about double the size of a typical Aldi.  

Today Aldi operates nearly 60 locations across the state including locations in Tucker and Peachtree Corners that both opened this past February.  Both the Tucker and Peachtree Corners locations sport the company's new, upscale design with enhanced interiors and an emphasis on organic produce.    

Aldi is seen by many as "low brow," or on the level of Big Lots, where people have the ill-conceived notion that only expired food is sold.  In reality, Aldi emphasizes a "no frills" approach with stores largely stocked with private label merchandise that is both cheaper to the consumer and more profitable to the company.  

Aldi has also reportedly leased the former Sports Authority in Buckhead where they plan to occupy a similarly sized portion of the former sporting goods store, and sublease the balance. 

Elsewhere in metro Atlanta, the former Sports Authority in Alpharetta has been filled by American Signature Furniture, in Buford has been filled by Burlington Coat Factory, while the Sandy Springs store was replaced with Dick's Sporting Goods. Dick's is also allegedly still planning to open in place of the former Sports Authority in Akers Mill Square near Cumberland Mall, but has been delayed.  
    
Are you excited at the prospect of having an Aldi in Kennesaw? What is your favorite grocer in Atlanta? What would you like to see open in the remaining space?

Please share your thoughts below.  

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have been in one Aldi and wasn't I'm pressed but they do serve a niche. I like a full service supermarket. Publix fits that bill for me as does an occasional trip to Sprouts and Costco.

Anonymous said...

I hate dick's. Shitty service with high prices and a frown. They are going to be the next water down mattress firm brand. Every 5 miles to the next one. Thank goodness for online shopping ... If I'm going to pay full price I'm going to Zappos! Bring back Galyan's dang it!

Anonymous said...

saw a little action at the Akers Mill former Sports Authority last week. I didn't get a great look b/c I was driving but looked like they were unloading some racks with the "Champion" emblem on them.

I finally made it in to the new Dick's at Perimeter. It is 1000% better than Sports Authority.

Anonymous said...

Well, you're certainly paying full price at Zappos - most expensive retailer online!

Anonymous said...

Kroger is doing away with its Seniors Discount. They have lowered many prices and from what I understand the mindset in the grocery industry is to end double coupling and Senior Discounting.

Anonymous said...

I love Aldis and am looking forward to the opening of the one on Barrett Place. Great store with fast service! I like their brands also..

Anonymous said...

What an idiotic remark. Aldi is great wait when Lidl comes even better choices. Publix is over priced and I bought two bell peppers from Sprouts got home and they were molded inside.

Anonymous said...

Super excited about Aldi opening on Barrett. Love the store, the brands and the easy shopping experience I have every time I'm in the store.

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