The frame is up, and locals are getting excited. Will Hattiesburg's ALDI open soon?

The frame for Hattiesburg's incoming ALDI store is going up, making it more exciting for passersby who are looking forward to the day they can go inside.

"When I lived in the Memphis area I fell in love with ALDI and their unique inventory and amazing prices," said Jody Fortenberry of Hattiesburg. "I’ve been waiting for one to open near me ever since."

ALDI confirmed to the Hattiesburg American in November the supermarket chain was planning to open a Hattiesburg location. In February, a company spokesperson said the ALDI store would open in the fall, but no date was set.

On Wednesday, the company confirmed the store will open "later this year," company officials said, but no firm date is set.

"At this time, we do not have any additional information to share, but we will be sure to reach out to you when more details become available," Loxley Divisional Vice President Heather Moore said in an email.

ALDI also announced on Wednesday it had purchased all Winn-Dixie stores across the country, including the Hattiesburg location. But that will not affect the location currently under construction.

"I'm looking forward to seeing it — I believe it's like a Trader Joe's and I like them," said Hattiesburg resident Sinclair Lundy. "So, I'm interested in seeing the products that they're going to offer."

Fortenberry also is looking forward to looking at the store's unique offerings.

"I’m particularly interested in seeing what unusual items they will offer and the opportunity to buy organic products at a lower cost," Fortenberry said.

It's not your typical grocery store: What you need to know about the ALDI supermarket coming to Hattiesburg

ALDI will be located in a new shopping center under construction on U.S. 98 and Lakewood Drive.

The site plan for the new development allows for other retail opportunities, among which will include an Aspen Dental location.

Hattiesburg has not seen any new grocery store options for over 20 years. It is home to the family-owned Corner Market stores. Other chain grocery options include Winn-Dixie, Walmart and Target.

In 1998, Albertsons opened a store across from Walmart Supercenter on U.S. 49, but closed three years later.

Do you have a story to share? Contact Lici Beveridge at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.

This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Hattiesburg MS ALDI construction continues