The first U.S. ALDI store opened in 1976 in Iowa, according to ALDI’s own history page.

Quick Scoop

  • ALDI says it opened its first U.S. store in Iowa in 1976.
  • Another ALDI page also repeats that the first U.S. location opened in Iowa in 1976.
  • Some secondary sources narrow the location to Iowa City, and one account says it opened on March 30, 1976.

What that means

For a simple answer, 1976 is the key date. If you want the more specific version, the first U.S. ALDI store is commonly described as opening in Iowa City, Iowa, in March 1976.

Bottom line

ALDI’s first U.S. store was opened in 1976 in Iowa.