The Pacific Northwest in the U.S. is known for many things – the birthplace of grunge rock, gorgeous natural wonders, and Amazon’s corporate HQ.
It’s also the birthplace of the supermarket chain Costco.
With so much innovation going on, you might wonder if Aldi – known for disrupting the discount grocery goods market – is making their way to the PNW.
Is Aldi coming to Oregon or Portland? Here is what you need to know.
Is Aldi Coming To Oregon Or Portland?
Aldi has not announced any plans to open stores in the state of Oregon or its most populous city of Portland. Instead, the German grocery chain is focusing its current expansion on the U.S. Gulf Coast region, including states like Louisiana and Florida.
You might have questions like why isn’t Oregon or Portland part of Aldi’s plan? What are some potential locations in the state and city?
And what are some good discount grocery alternatives if you live in the Aldi-dry state of Oregon?
Keep reading for the answers you seek!
Why Doesn’t Aldi Plan To Come To Oregon Or Portland?
Aldi has slowly but surely been expanding their discount grocery empire in the U.S. There is a clear pattern to the current plan.
Gulf Coast states like Louisiana – which became Aldi’s 38th state – Alabama, and Florida have all been earmarked for new stores.
Alabama (the site of Aldi’s newest distribution center) and Louisiana are currently the 24th and 25th most populous states, landing them squarely in the middle.
But Florida is the country’s third most populous state, with 21 million people and climbing.
That number and the 9.5 million from AR and LA combined make Aldi’s focus on this region an understandable plan.
The company is on track to become the third-largest grocer in the U.S. by a number of locations (after Walmart and Kroger).
But they likely don’t have the resources to expend, at this point, on multiple expansions in multiple, far-flung regions of the U.S., including Oregon.
What Are Some Potential Locations For Aldi Stores In Oregon Or Portland?
Aldi could make some Oregonians and Portlanders very happy if they began adding stores to the most populous city in the state.
Aldi would fit in well in Portland neighborhoods like the South and Southeast areas; a store in Portland would also benefit the residents of Vancouver, WA residents.
In the rest of the state, the capital of Salem would be a good option; the city contains almost 170,000 residents.
Following Rt. 5 south, the city of Eugene would welcome Aldi and Medford, which would also benefit northern Californians just over the border.
What Is The Closest Aldi To Oregon Or Portland?
On the West coast, the closest Aldi to the city of Portland is 650 miles away in Hanford, CA.
Neither Washington, Idaho or Nevada (Oregon’s surrounding states) currently have any Aldi locations either.
Unfortunately, Aldi stores are out of reach even for a day trip for the people of Oregon.
Where Can Shoppers Go In Oregon Or Portland Other Than Aldi?
Despite the lack of Aldi stores in the state, there are still plenty of budget-friendly options.
The chain Safeway has 92 stores in Oregon, with 12 in Portland and four in Salem.
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market operates dozens of locations throughout Oregon, and the chain offers franchise opportunities for potential entrepreneurs.
New Seasons Market is another popular choice, with stores concentrated in the Portland area, including Grant Park, Hawthorne, and University Park.
Oregon is also home to numerous Trader Joe’s locations (there are three in Portland).
Big families or shoppers who like to stock up, can take advantage of nearly 50 Costco stores spread up and down Rt. 5.
And finally, Asian and Hispanic e-grocer Weee! added Portland to its list of available regions. Weee! carries ethnic foods at prices lower than shoppers would find in stores.
If you are looking to learn more about Aldi, you can also read our related articles on whether or not Aldi is coming to Colorado, San Francisco, and Canada.
Conclusion
Aldi is not coming to Oregon or Portland any time soon, and it appears that the grocery chain has left the PNW area as a whole out in the cold.
However, it cannot be too long until the company makes its way up north, so fans and potential customers should not lose hope.
I doubt many chain stores will not consider Portland OR based on the theft threat. Lask of prosecution from Law enforcement could sway their decision to have a store in Portland.