Aldi remodeling Cedar Rapids, Marion stores

German grocery chain Aldi is remodeling stores in Cedar Rapids and Marion in connection with a nationwide $1.6 billion upgrade and expansion initiative announced in February.

The company, with its U.S. headquarters in the Chicago suburb of Batavia, Ill., is upgrading the stores at 5425 Blairs Forest Blvd. NE and 1860 Edgewood Rd. SW in Cedar Rapids and 1001 50th St. in Marion.

Heather Moore, Aldi Dwight Division vice president, said the company also is refreshing the appearance of its stores with open ceilings and more natural lighting.

'Our Marion store is scheduled to reopen on July 27,” Moore said. 'The remodeled stores will offer a modern and convenient shopping experience. Customers will notice a focus on fresh items, including more robust produce, dairy and bakery sections.”

Moore said the stores will feature a more modern, environmentally friendly design that employs recycled materials, energy-saving refrigeration and LED lighting.

Moore said additional Aldi stores in Eastern Iowa will be remodeled in coming months. The chain operates more than 1,300 stores in the United States and expects to have more than 2,000 by the end of next year.

Aldi's efforts come as rival European discount grocer Lidi opens more stores in the United States.