Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.
Aldi is the US' fastest-growing grocer. Here's how a small German convenience store run by 2 brothers turned into one of the world's biggest retail chains.
Aldi is the US' fastest-growing grocer. Here's how a small German convenience store run by 2 brothers turned into one of the world's biggest retail chains.
Grace DeanDec 29, 2022, 17:43 IST
Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Aldi has its origins in a small store set up by Anna Albrecht in Germany in 1913.
After WWII, she gave the store to her two sons who turned it into a chain and then split it into two companies.
Advertisement
Aldi's history includes a kidnapping, stringent cost-cutting measures, and an argument over cigarettes
Shoppers in front of an Aldi store in Frankfurt am Main in 1980.Jörg Schmitt/Picture Alliance via Getty Images
The Albrecht brothers took over their mother's small store after fighting in World War II
A 1930 photograph showing the precursor to Aldi at Huestrasse 89 in Essen-Schonnebeck, Germany.Aldi Einkauf GmbH & Co. oHG via Getty Images
Advertisement
From the start, Aldi was profit-focused
A photograph from 1930 shows the interior and employees of the Karl Albrecht Spiritousen and Lebensmittel shop at Huestrasse 89 in Essen-Schonnebeck, Germany.Aldi Einkauf GmbH & Co. oHG via Getty Images
The brothers split the Aldi empire after a fight over cigarettes
Aldi Süd and Aldi Nord serve different regions and don't share a logo.Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images; Uwe Zucchi/Picture alliance via Getty Images
Advertisement
Aldi began its international expansion
In 1979, an Albrecht family trust bought Trader Joe's.Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Aldi is still cutting costs
An Aldi Süd store in London, featuring products being sold straight from their delivery boxes.Grace Dean/Insider
Advertisement
The Albrecht family is notoriously reclusive
Theo Sr. was kidnapped at gunpoint in 1971.Roland Scheidemann/Picture Alliance via Getty Images