(From the Beltsville News issue of February 2014)
Aldi—Internationally Famous Discount Grocer Comes to Beltsville
By Jim Butcher
Aldi -- a decidedly different kind of grocery store-- officially opened for business in Beltsville on Jan. 10, 2014. By mid-morning of this grand-opening day, hearty shoppers braving a steady rain and near freezing temperatures had packed the brand spanking new store situated in the partially constructed St. Mary’s Square shopping center on Route 1 across from Costco. Advanced word of the store opening had gotten around. Clearly, curiosity had been piqued. A day earlier, executives from Aldi division headquarters in Frederick joined with Beltsville store employees to host a ribbon cutting ceremony, general briefing and store walkthrough for community members, county and local officials, and the press.