Here's What New ALDI Store at Former Mango Mike's Will Look Like

Members of the Alexandria Planning Commission will soon be considering plans for the new ALDI grocery store planned for 4580 Duke St., at the location formerly occupied by Mango Mike’s.

Planning documents submitted to the City show that the store will be 32 feet high, 17,307 square feet, have 71 parking spaces (they’re asking that the required 95 spaces be reduced--noting that there are homes within walking distance nearby and a bus stop next door at 4600 Duke St.) and plans to hire between 15 to 20 employees. Patrons will be able to drive in from either Duke Street or S. Jordan.

Plans call for the store to be close to the street, widen the sidewalk from five feet to 12 feet; the planting strip will also widen from four feet to five feet. Additional landscape will also be provided.

City staff has met with surrounding communities, who had questions mainly about traffic impact, parking and general questions about ALDI operations.

The hours of the new store will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

In compliance with the City’s Public Art Policy, ALDI will donate $5,192 for public art that will be located at Ewald Park.

The ALDI grocery chain store is known for offering discounts. Most (90 percent) of the brands in the store are ALDI brands. Another way it keeps costs down is by not accepting credit cards; the grocery store explains that by not accepting them, the store does not pass along the fees to customers.

Another no-frills experience that keeps costs down: You’ll bag your own groceries and pay a quarter to “rent” a shopping cart (you’ll get your quarter back when you return the cart) — more savings for customers since the store doesn’t have to pay anyone to go hunt down shopping carts in the parking lot.

You’ll also see cost savings by bringing your own shopping bag (if you don’t bring your own, they’ll charge you for their long-lasting bags).

The Planning Commission will consider the plans at a hearing on Tuesday, June 2 at 7 p.m.

ALDI also has plans to add a store in Del Ray, at a location currently occupied by Giant.

PHOTOS: Renderings provided to City show what new ALDI store at 4580 Duke St. in Alexandria will look like.