New to Maine Grocery Store Replacing Big Lots in Portland

Aldi, a supermarket chain with over 2400 locations in the U.S., could replace Big Lots in Portland, Maine.

The Press Herald reports that the grocery chain known for its discounts has signed a lease to take over the former Big Lots site in the Pine Tree Shopping Center in Portland, Maine.

This would be the chain's first location in Maine, but no word on when they would open. The Big Lots closed suddenly last year and nothing has moved into the 25,000-square-foot space.

Do you really have to pay to get a cart at Aldi Supermarkets?

Yes. Don't get too nervous. It's 25 cents and you get that back when you return the cart. According to the Aldi website, the philosophy behind this seems pretty solid,

This 25 cent deposit ultimately saves our customers money because we don’t have to hire extra staff to collect grocery carts. To unlock a cart, customers have to insert a quarter, and this deposit ensures shoppers return their cart to the corral to get their quarter back.

READ MORE: Rosemont Market Closing Its Portland, Maine Munjoy Hill Location

When will Maine's first Aldi Supermarket in Portland open?

No one at Aldi would confirm when this would happen but told the Press Herald,

At this time, we do not have any additional information, but would be happy to share updates as we move forward in this process.

They opened their first store Aldi in 1976 in Iowa. Today, they are headquartered in Illinois where they have the most locations of over 200. They have more than 2,400 stores across 38 states with more than 45,000 employees. They are about to add Maine. Stay tuned...