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Remodeled Aldi opens

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Shoppers lined up in front of Aldi, stretching all the way down the building and back to the entryway to the parking lot, as early as 4:45 a.m. the day of the grand re-opening. (Photos by Correne Martin)

Employees and remodel administration posed for a ribbon cutting before opening the doors to customers June 27.

Store Manager Janice Polodna says hello to the people waiting in line.

The line inside the store went almost immediately to the sign-up for free groceries for a year.

Jennifer Struntz was one of the first customers to enter the newly-remodeled Aldi store in Prairie du Chien Thursday, June 27, at about 8:30 a.m.

One of the first shoppers entered a checkout lane.

All of the checkout lanes were full, but customers didn't have to wait long to get through and pay.

A happy customer heads out after getting what she needed,

Aldi is known for its speedy checkers, and that was no different the day of the grand re-opening in Prairie du Chien.

Janice Polodna greets customers.

Customers sign up for a year's worth of free produce.

By Correne Martin

Hundreds of anxious customers waited hours for the remodeled Prairie du Chien Aldi store to open Thursday. The first person actually started the line at 4:45 a.m., nearly four hours ahead of the grand re-opening celebration.

Following a giveaway of 100 golden tickets (gift certificates ranging from $5-100) and an official ribbon cutting around 8:25 a.m., the long line swarmed inside the shopping center to view its new look, browse the new products and shop for the first time since the store was closed in late May. 

The expansion and upgrade brought Aldi from 15,720 square feet to 19,218. The sales floor grew from 9,686 square feet to 12,964. All new LED lighting was added inside and out, refrigerated products have doubled and fresh offerings have increased by 20 percent. Known for its quality produce, Aldi has brought those items to the front, right inside the entryway. Additional quantities of Aldi Finds, weekly themed products will see a boost at the local store as well. 

According to Store Manager Janice Polodna, who has been with Prairie du Chien’s Aldi since it opened 25 years ago in January, the remodel involved a lot of hard work, time and stress, but it was well worth it for the nine staff and Aldi’s customers. The store actually had a soft opening June 20, but Polodna said it was thrilling to see the many loyal shoppers who’ve become like family at the grand reopening. She joked that she hoped to have enough stock in the back to fill up the shelves after the influx of customers.

Throughout the weekend, customers could sign up for a year’s supply of Aldi produce. The winner will be announced this week. 

The Prairie du Chien store is part of the $1.9 billion Aldi investment to remodel and expand more than 1,300 stores nationwide by the end of 2020. The local store is also hiring to fulfill the greater need that coincides with a larger, more modern store (careers.aldi.us).

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