Aldi plans to add 100 new stores in the U.S. and expand collection to the sidewalk

German supermarket chain Aldi said Wednesday it plans to open about 100 new stores in the U.S. and expand the pickup service on the sidewalk 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 collection on the sidewalk will make the service available to more than 1,200 stores, the company said. It still plans to offer grocery delivery through Instacart from most of its stores.

Edge collection has become a popular service during the coronavirus pandemic, as shoppers avoided going into stores during the health crisis. Retailers expect consumers to continue to look for this option even though Covid cases are declining because purchases are 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. This facility will allow Aldi to open up to 35 new stores in the Gulf Coast region, with the first two open in Tallahassee, Florida, later this year.