Aldi plans to add 100 new stores in the US and expand curbside pickup

German supermarket chain Aldi on Wednesday said it plans to open around 100 new stores in the United States and expand its curbside pick-up service to an additional 500 stores by the end of the year.

The company said it will focus on adding new locations in Arizona, California, Florida and the Northeast.

Aldi’s expansion of curbside pickup will make the service available at more than 1,200 stores, the company said. It still plans to offer grocery delivery through Instacart from most of its stores.

Curbside pickup became a popular service during the coronavirus pandemic, as shoppers sought to avoid entering stores during the health crisis. Retailers expect consumers to continue to research this option even if Covid cases go away, as it makes shopping more convenient.

The supermarket chain, which has more than 2,000 stores in 37 states, will also build a regional headquarters and distribution center in Loxley, Alabama, to support the Gulf Coast region. The facility will allow Aldi to open up to 35 new stores in the Gulf Coast region, with the first two scheduled to open in Tallahassee, Fla. Later this year.