Aldi recently opened a new grocery store at the intersection of Race Track Road and U.S. 1 in St. Johns County, adding another discount grocery option for residents in the rapidly growing area.
The store occupies a former Winn-Dixie space in the Grand Cypress Marketplace, marking another step in Aldi’s expansion across Northeast Florida following its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers.
Where is the new Aldi located in St. Johns County?
The new Aldi is located at 100 Little Cypress Drive, just southwest of the Race Track Road and U.S. 1 intersection. The site sits near major residential developments and commuter corridors, making it easily accessible to residents of Nocatee, Julington Creek and Fruit Cove.
When did the Aldi on Race Track Road open?
The store opened to the public earlier this month, and shoppers have already begun visiting the location, according to local community reports and social media posts.
What was at 100 Little Cypress Drive before Aldi?
Before Aldi moved in, the building housed a Winn-Dixie supermarket, which closed less than two years after opening. The closure came amid broader changes following Aldi’s 2024 acquisition of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket, previously owned by Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers.
Many former Winn-Dixie locations across Florida are being converted into Aldi stores as part of that transition, though the company bought back a portion of its stores earlier this year.
How large is the newest Northeast Florida Aldi store?
County permit filings show Aldi renovated approximately 20,000 square feet of the former grocery store. The build-out included interior demolition, new refrigeration systems, signage and Aldi’s signature streamlined layout.
The remaining portion of the former Winn-Dixie space is expected to be divided for additional tenants.
Will other businesses open alongside Aldi at this shopping center?
Yes. Plans for the Grand Cypress Marketplace indicate that additional retailers will join Aldi in the former Winn-Dixie building.
Why is Aldi expanding so rapidly in Northeast Florida?
Aldi’s expansion follows its acquisition of Southeastern Grocers, allowing the company to convert selected Winn-Dixie locations rather than building entirely new stores. Northeast Florida, and St. Johns County in particular, has been a key target due to population growth and demand for lower-cost grocery options.
What does Aldi offer compared to traditional grocery stores?
Aldi is known for its limited-selection, private-label model, which allows the company to keep prices low. Stores typically carry fewer than 2,000 items, compared to tens of thousands at traditional supermarkets, focusing on essentials, fresh produce, meat and weekly rotating “ALDI Finds.”
Shoppers can expect features such as self-bagging and cart rentals for a refundable quarter.
What does the new Aldi mean for local shoppers?
For residents near Race Track Road and U.S. 1, the new Aldi provides another grocery option in a corridor that has seen significant residential growth. Local officials and developers have pointed to grocery access as a key need in the area, particularly as new neighborhoods continue to expand south of Jacksonville.
With the store now open, Aldi adds to the competitive grocery landscape in St. Johns County, alongside Publix, Trader Joe’s and regional chains.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Aldi opens new store at Race Track Road and U.S. 1 in St. Johns County
Reporting by Alexandria Mansfield, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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