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ALDI is opening its first nine stores in Houston, Spring, Pasadena, Katy, Conroe, Sugar Land, Humble and Pearland.  The chain plans to have 30 stores in the Houston area over the next two years. 

ALDI's Karla Waddleton says ALDI is the model of efficiency, helping to eliminate overhead costs.

"Yes, our footprint is a bit smaller. We're roughly about 17,000 square feet and only five aisles. We carry one type of the most commonly purchased size and types of products the average consumer buys on their weekly shopping trips. We offer all the exclusive brands, primarily, and because of that we're able to save the average consumer anywhere from 25 to about 60 percent off their average grocery cart."

ALDI is hosting 25 hiring events for its Houston stores this month to employ some 200 employees for cashier and shift manager positions. 

The grocery chain has more than 1,200 stores in 32 states, and has been adding 50 to 80 stores each year.