By: Randy Lewis

The ALDI's in Middletown has officially moved to its new location at 3634 South Dixie Highway, closing the ALDI's on Roosevelt Blvd which opened in 1990. ALDI was founded by brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht, whose retailing history dates back to post war Germany.

 The partnership reportedly ended after a dispute over weather or not to sell cigarettes.Their disagreement led to the two brothers creating separate companies. Karl took control of stores in southern Germany (ALDI sud) while Theo took over the northern Germany sites (ALDI nord). The divisions remain separate companies today they even have different logos. The U.S. ALDI uses the logo of ALDI sud, although ALDI officials here say it is a standalone company.

The ALDL’s in Middletown is unlike any other thus far. Vice president Daniel J. Gavin of the Springfield Division told MiddletownUSA.com "This store is a prototype for future ALDI stores. The Green aspect that this store has taken sets it apart from most other ALDI's." He went on to say that ALDI's has always been a green minded store, but they have just taken things a little farther with this store.

The new store includes several more environmentally conscious elements (such as LED lighting in coolers and signs, sky lights with day light harvesting, restrooms furnished with recycled materials and motion sensors throughout the store to automatically dim lights where there hasn't been recent customer or employee foot traffic), intended to reduce utility usage by approximately 30 percent.

Gavin went on to say "we are pleased to be apart of the Middletown community, where we see more costumers walk through the door each day. The new Middletown store will offer a brighter store and greener features helping to better serve the community and the environment. ALDI's in Middletown opens on Saturday May 2nd, with its grand opening on May 4th.

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