Aldi opens at former Ruby’s Market

Grocery retailer Aldi officially opened its third Springfield store today.

The 2847 E. Sunshine St. store takes over part of the former Ruby’s Market, a concept from Price Cutter parent company Pyramid Foods that closed in December 2018.

A soft opening was held yesterday, an Aldi spokesperson said.

The new Springfield store is part of a $3.4 billion investment by Aldi to expand to 2,500 U.S. stores by the end of 2022. It currently operates more than 1,900 locations — including two others in Springfield at 421 E. Battlefield Road and 1645 E. Kearney St — in 36 states, according to a news release.

“Springfield shoppers will find more of the fresh food they love at their new store, and we’re excited for them to experience our latest offerings,” said Mark Bersted, a divisional vice president for Aldi in Olathe, Kansas, in the release.

Company officials announced plans to enter the former Ruby’s earlier this year, along with Red Racks Thrift Store, its new next-door neighbor. Red Racks also is planning a store at the former site of Pyramid Foods’ King Cash Saver, which closed earlier this year at 1707 W. Battlefield Road.

When Ruby’s closed last year, Pyramid Foods President and CEO Erick Taylor cited its location as a factor in its demise, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

Less than a mile down Sunshine Street, Hy-Vee Inc. is planning a store on a previously wooded property.