Aldi’s growth spurt comes to Mesa, plus other retail news Article originally posted on Phoenix Business Journal on May 22, 2026 Aldi, the fastest-growing grocer in the U.S., has opened its latest store in the Valley at 1045 S. Gilbert Road in Mesa. This is the latest in Aldi’s major expansion in the Phoenix market, which will include opening at least 10 stores in 2026 and a new distribution center in the Goodyear in 2028. The new Mesa Aldi is opening in a 25,225-square-foot former 99 Cent Only store that Aldi leased for at least 10 years, according to Maricopa County records. “At our new Mesa Aldi store, shoppers will notice a smaller, easy-to-shop store layout filled with a carefully selected range of products to provide them with exactly what they need,” said Shawn Eddy, regional vice president for Aldi. “As more people look for better ways to stretch their dollar further, we’re excited to bring quality groceries at the lowest possible prices to Mesa.” While Aldi is growing its presence in the Valley, the company’s model is unique from other retailers and can be new to consumers. Aldi stores feature shopping carts that required a quarter to be unlocked and used. The customers get their carts back when they return the cart. Aldi also requires customers to bag their own groceries. Aldi’s shelves feature about 90% unique brands and items to Aldi. The company does not see itself as a competitor to major grocers in the Valley, but rather a complementary brand that is usually located near other retailers. The new Aldi in Mesa shares a parking lot with Target. Aldi has several other stores in development in the Phoenix area. The company is looking to have 3,200 stores by the end of 2028 and the Valley is a significant market for Aldi to make that happen. • Arrowhead Towne Center, which is one of the top performing malls in the Valley and the site for a future Asian grocery store, has signed on another premium brand to its lineup. In June, construction will start on a new Gorjana store in the West Valley mall. Gorjana was founded by Arizona State University graduates and has a strong presence already in the Phoenix area. “Gorjana is the latest example of premium retail brands who are gravitating toward the energy and momentum across the West Valley,” said Gabrielle Ochoa, the general manager at Arrowhead Towne Center. “These new retailers are seeking proven partners like Arrowhead Towne Center as they enter the market, while several of our existing tenants have significant projects underway that reinforce the center’s continued appeal for major brands and shoppers alike.” The signing of Gorjana comes as several new stores are set to open at Arrowhead in the coming weeks. By the end of May, Victoria’s Secret and PINK will each reveal significant remodel projects, and American Eagle will do the same later this summer. These brands have been at Arrowhead for years but decided to invest significant capital to improve their stores in the mall. Others moves at Arrowhead include Aerie doubling its presence with the larger store opening later this year. This month Earthbound Trading Company opened at the mall and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen opened in the food court. Earlier this year Foot Locker Kids and Perfumania opened stores at the center. • Chandler Fashion Center, which shares the same owners and operators as Arrowhead – California-based Macerich Co. (NYSE: MAC) – has also signed several high profile new tenants including J. Crew Factory, Swarovski, Garage, all of which will open between May and July. In early 2027, Chandler will be home to the Valley’s newest Levi’s Store. Just outside the mall in the Boulevard Shops at Chandler Fashion Center TRND Setters barber shop opened earlier this month and Cleopatra Ink, a tattoo and piercing studio, opened this spring. A major renovation is happening on the south side of the mall that will bring famed restaurant Din Tai Fung to Chandler in 2026. “As the East Valley continues to expand, shoppers have more options than ever, but Chandler Fashion Center remains the preeminent shopping center for the region,” said Kim Choukalas, a senior vice president of leasing for Macerich. “This redevelopment initiative recognizes shoppers’ growing interest in destinations where they can engage in well-rounded entertainment experiences, from shopping to dining and beyond. The leasing progress thus far reflects Macerich’s dedication to delivering on that promise.” Find Complete Article Here: https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2026/05/20/aldi-opening-in-mesa-more-phoenix-retail-news.html