Aldi sets Freehold Township opening as shopping center reborn with new stores, new look
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Discount grocer Aldi is about to open its new store on Route 9, one of several changes that are part of a revamped Freehold Mall shopping center.
The store, at 3681 Route 9, opens at 9 a.m. March 24, following an 8:30 a.m. ribbon cutting. The store's hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.
Aldi's new 21,000-square-foot store is located next to Leslie's Pool Supplies. It is part of Aldi's plans to open about 150 stores and be the third largest grocer in the U.S. by the end of 2022.
Known for its small stores, Aldi's retail space is usually divided into five aisles. More than 90% of the groceries sold are under Aldi's exclusive brands, which the grocer says will help customers save up to 50% on their grocery bill.
Freehold Township: Chick-fil-A opens, one of four new Jersey Shore locations
The new Aldi store is just one of several changes at Freehold Mall, a shopping center now under new ownership.
In 2020, Aspen Real Estate, along with joint venture partner Devli Real Estate, purchased Freehold Mall at an auction. Aspen started to make some changes, signing up Aldi and announcing improvements, which includes a new façade for the entire shopping center and new tenants.
Auto Zone, another new tenant, opened late last year. Benjamin Moore has signed a lease for a store adjacent to AutoZone, said Philip Proetto, principal at Aspen Real Estate.
Freehold Raceway Mall: It's getting new stores for your eyes, your stomach and your bottom
"We are excited to have Aldi finally opening and to have such a good working relationship with Freehold Township now," he said.
Anchored by Burlington, formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory, other tenants include Freehold Music Store, Route 9 Farmers Market and Firestone Complete Auto Care.
As part of its opening, Aldi is offering customers the chance to win a $500 Aldi gift card.
“Aldi is one of America’s fastest-growing retailers because we offer a convenient shopping experience for affordable, on-trend and sustainable goods,” said Bob Grammer, Center Valley regional vice president, in a statement.
“We have served this community for more than 20 years and look forward to continuing to offer Freehold residents high-quality, fresh foods and low prices in every Aldi aisle, every day.”
David P. Willis, an award-winning business writer, has covered business and consumer news at the Asbury Park Press for more than 20 years. He writes APP.com's What's Going There and Press on Your Side columns and can be reached at dwillis@gannettnj.com. Join his What's Going There page on Facebook for updates.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Aldi sets Freehold Township opening as shopping center gets new stores
