ALDI Opens in Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — When officials cut the ribbon at the new ALDI in the Bel Air Plaza Thursday morning, more than 200 people stood outside, the line stretching to Kirkland's.

The first person arrived at 2 a.m., according to Danielle Parks, ALDI's director of operations for the Frederick division.

Hopeful shoppers flocked to the store in part because of the company's tradition of offering "golden tickets" — ALDI gift cards of varying amounts — to the first 100 people in line.

To herald the opening of the town's newest store, Bel Air Mayor Susan Burdette did the honors and helped cut the ribbon.

"Not every community has a mayor at the grand opening," Parks said, describing it as "really special."

Photo courtesy of Danielle Parks.

Once the ribbon was cut, doors opened and customers poured into the grocery store, which had been vacant since Mars vacated the space in 2015.

According to Parks, ALDI is occupying half the footprint of its predecessor. Part of the German-based grocer's strategy is to design stores that do not use unnecessary space, providing cost savings passed on to customers.

The 20,000-square-foot grocery store is the third ALDI in Harford County. There is one on Business Center Way in Edgewood and another off South Philadelphia Road in Aberdeen.

The Bel Air store presents a new look from its Harford County counterparts, with high ceilings, natural and LED lighting and energy-efficient refrigerators.

A perimeter of fresh items like meats, cheeses, milk and produce surrounds the store, which has wider aisles than previous ALDI designs.

The store at 599 Baltimore Pike will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

As part of the grand opening, people can sample ALDI exclusive brand products and enter an on-site sweepstakes for a chance to win a year’s supply of ALDI produce. Through the weekend, cashiers are giving away coupons to customers for their next visit.

• Bel Air Plaza Announces New Additions to Shopping Center
• Bel Air ALDI to Open This Week

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Janney.