Aldi stores may look different as the company expands nationally in 2026, as well as in the Lansing area where the company plans its fifth store soon.
The Aldi South Group — one of two global entities of the discount grocery store Aldi — has been planning and testing an updated store format for U.S. stores. The Australian design and brand company Landini Associates has been in long-term collaboration with the transformation, according to reports from Forbes and Progressive Grocer — both pinned in Landini Associates press kit.
In September 2025, trials of the new format began in Aventura, Florida, with further trials expected in 2026, according to Landini Associates. Changes eventually could come to Michigan stores.
“The initiative, developed in partnership with Australian-based Landini Associates marks the culmination of a 14-year collaboration aimed at modernizing Aldi’s physical retail presence while preserving the operational simplicity that underpins its low-price strategy,” Forbes said.
Aldi’s new look is expected to have a modular approach, a design term that means smaller units or modules, which will alter Aldi’s architecture and interior designs, signage and packaging, according to Forbes.
“While Aldi has long been known for its standardized layouts — optimized for speed, efficiency and minimal staffing — the new model aims to create a more flexible environment that can respond to local real estate constraints and shifting shopping patterns without sacrificing cost discipline,” Forbes said.
The new store format will also be aligned with the 2026 nationwide expansion in the U.S.
“The timing of the new format for Aldi also aligns with its broader U.S. investment strategy. The company has announced plans to open hundreds of new stores over the next several years, with a particular focus on the Southeast and Midwest,” Forbes said.
The discount supermarket chain plans to build its fifth in the Lansing area on 4 acres along East Saginaw Highway.
The 20,664-square-foot store is the second new location the company has submitted plans to build in the Lansing area in 2025. Plans for a new Aldi store off Lake Lansing Road, not far from the Eastwood Towne Center in Lansing Township, were approved in March last year.
Here’s more on Aldi locations in Michigan.
How many Aldi stores will be built in Michigan this year? Where?
As part of the nationwide expansion, a new Aldi store was added in Southfield, near Detroit on March 5, while a second new location is planned to open later in the year in Lowell.
Michigan is one of the 31 states expected to get new stores, according to USA TODAY, as apart of the grocer’s long-term 2026-30 expansion.
The company has not said whether Michigan stores will immediately see the new design.
Where is Aldi located in the Lansing area?
Where are Aldi stores currently in Michigan?
As of April 24, 2026, there are 123 Aldi locations in Michigan, with a total of 2,677 locations nationwide across 40 states.
What is the Aldi South Group?
“Aldi is a family-owned business that was founded in 1913. In 1961, it was divided into two independent entities: Aldi South and Aldi Nord. Although both groups are linked by family ties, they are legally and economically separate. Apart from Germany, each group operates in different countries,” according to the company’s website.
Aldi follows a model of high quality food, quick-and-easy shopping, everyday low prices and everyday items displayed in their original shipping boxes.
Aldi South operates all Aldi stores in the U.S., and several other countries. Aldi North only operates Aldi stores outside the U.S., but owns Trader Joe’s.
What is the Landini Associates?
The design and brand company Landini Associates, based in Sydney, Australia, works with clients around the globe to, “develop commercially astute solutions that determine our clients’ futures and define market trends,” according to the company’s website.
The company’s clients include Baskin Robins, Burt’s Bees, Adidas, Arby’s, Hilton, McCafé, Walgreens and Shell.
Contact Sarah Moore @smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Aldi says it’s working on new design. Will Lansing stores see changes?
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
