It’s official: Aldi is coming to Branson

Graphic provided by Lindner Properties

Aldi is slated to open in the northwest corner of The Shoppes at Branson Hills, next to where Lot 1 is available.

After more than a year of rumors, it’s official. Aldi is entering the Branson market.

Jay Lindner, president of Columbia-based Lindner Properties, said Aldi closed on a deal to buy a 2.2-acre vacant lot at The Shoppes at Branson Hills. Through his affiliation with Colliers International, Lindner represented seller Branson Shoppes Group LLC. He declined to disclose terms of the deal.

“It’s my understanding that Aldi plans to start construction late this fall and are planning for a store opening in the summer of 2020,” Lindner said via email.

Mark Bersted, a divisional vice president for Aldi in Olathe, Kansas, confirmed the grocery store chain has cemented plans to enter Branson. He declined to confirm the location. Bersted previously said Aldi had not “solidified plans for a store in Branson” in a January article by Springfield Business Journal. The article was prompted by former Branson Mayor Karen Best teasing an Aldi store for the second time in a year.

Lindner said Aldi purchased one of five lots he has listed for sale or ground lease in The Shoppes at Branson Hills. He provided a map of the development — located on Branson Hills Parkway along U.S. Highway 65 — showing Aldi took a lot in the northwest corner. Other national retailers in the development include Walmart, Kohl’s and Home Depot.

“Hopefully this renewed activity will spur further development of the remaining vacant lots,” Lindner said.

Aldi also has development plans in Springfield, where the company is targeting a fall 2019 opening for a store located in a portion of the shuttered Ruby’s Market at 2843 E. Sunshine St. Aldi currently operates two Springfield stores.

The retailer operates more than 1,900 U.S. stores in 36 states, according to its website.