ALDI opening Mint Hill store

Discount grocer ALDI plans to open a new store in Mint Hill on Thursday, Oct. 30, the company said.

The store will hold a preview event Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for customers to visit the store and get samples.  The new ALDI is located at 8000 Blair Road, Unit B.

“We look forward to introducing Mint Hill shoppers to ALDI, where they can find the majority of their average weekly shopping list from our exclusive brand products – including fresh meats, fruits, vegetables and bakery items – for up to 50 percent less,” said Scott Kornegay, Salisbury division vice president for ALDI, in a statement. “We are committed to bringing ALDI customers the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices in a simple and easy-to-navigate shopping environment.”

If you haven't shopped at ALDI before, here's what you need to know: You a quarter to rent a shopping cart (which you get back), there are no grocery bags for you (bring your own, or use boxes), credit cards aren't accepted, there's a smaller selection than at a traditional supermarket and ALDI's private label goods populate the shelves instead of national name brands. The company also has shorter operating hours - 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday - all in the name of cutting costs to offer lower prices.

The company has 1,300 locations in 32 states.