Discount supermarket giant Aldi is planning to open its first store in Manhattan, according to sources.
A lease for space at East River Plaza in Harlem is out, and Germany-based Aldi is close to inking the deal, sources said. East River Plaza, a new 485,000-square-foot retail complex just off the FDR Drive between 116th and 119th streets, is already home to Manhattan's first Costco as well as other major retailers such as Target and Best Buy. Aldi's interest in joining them comes after the chain opened its first outpost in New York City in February, at a shopping center on Junction Boulevard in Rego Park, Queens.
A spokeswoman for Aldi declined to comment, as did a spokeswoman for East River Plaza's co-owner Forest City Ratner. Blumenfeld Development Group, the other co-owner did not return calls.
Source: Crain's New York Business