Aldi intends to add 100 new stores in the US, to expand the take-over on board

German supermarket chain Aldi said on Wednesday that it plans to open about 100 new stores in the US and expand the on-board pick-up service to an additional 500 stores by the end of the year.

The company said it will focus on adding new locations in Arizona, California, Florida and the Northeast.

Aldi’s expansion of the on-board takeover will make the service available in more than 1,200 stores, the company said. It still intends to offer food delivery through Instacart from most of its stores.

Boarding became a popular service during the coronavirus pandemic, as shoppers sought to avoid access to stores during the health crisis. Retailers expect consumers to continue to look for this option even if Covid cases decrease as it makes shopping more convenient.

The supermarket chain, which has more than 2,000 stores in 37 states, will also build a regional headquarters and distribution center in Loxley, Alabama, to support the Gulf Coast region. This facility will allow Aldi to open up to 35 new stores in the Gulf Coast region, with the first two set to open in Tallahassee, Florida later this year.