In today's Free Press I read where German-owned discount grocer Aldi plans to open 800 new stores nationwide. The article did not disclose what plans it may have for Michigan or Metro Detroit.

There is not one near me so I don't have experience with Aldi but I often notice them in what some might consider challenging locations, seemingly willing to operate in lower and moderate income neighborhoods and prosper. Even Highland Park has an Aldi. Another one is across from a Costco I use, seemingly undaunted by that competition.

This seems contradictory to stories of businesses closing allegedly due to customer theft or other business failings, as in the Rite Aid closing thread.

Anyone use them? If so, what are they doing right?