Aldi to Open First Store in Maine

Discount grocery chain to open Portland location on March 26, 2026.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Aldi, the German discount grocery chain, has announced plans to open its first store in Maine on March 26, 2026. The new Portland location will be in a renovated former Big Lots store in the Pine Tree Shopping Center on Brighton Avenue. Aldi plans to hire 15-20 employees for the new store, offering full- and part-time positions with hourly wages ranging from $19.50 to $26.50.

Why it matters

Aldi's entry into the Maine market represents an expansion of the discount grocery chain's footprint in the Northeast and Midwest regions. The new store will provide Portland residents with another affordable grocery option, potentially increasing competition and putting pressure on existing chains like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods that have long operated in the area.

The details

Aldi leased the former Big Lots store in the Pine Tree Shopping Center in February 2025 and had originally planned to open the Portland location by the end of that year. However, the opening was pushed back to early 2026. The company is now taking applications online for several full- and part-time positions, including cashiers, stockers, and assistant managers.

  • Aldi leased the former Big Lots store in February 2025.
  • Aldi originally planned to open the Portland location by the end of 2025.
  • Aldi's new opening date for the Portland store is March 26, 2026.

The players

Aldi

A German discount grocery chain that is expanding its presence in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States.

Chris Daniels

The regional vice president for Aldi, who announced the opening date and plans for the new Portland store.

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What they’re saying

“We have some fun plans for opening week.”

— Chris Daniels, Regional Vice President, Aldi (pressherald.com)

What’s next

Aldi plans to announce additional details about the Portland store opening in the weeks leading up to the March 26 date.

The takeaway

Aldi's entry into the Maine market will provide Portland residents with another affordable grocery option, potentially increasing competition and putting pressure on existing chains like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods that have long operated in the area. The new store is part of Aldi's broader expansion plans in the Northeast and Midwest regions.