Aldi Grocery Store on Michigan Avenue Needs Council Approval

Arnold residents may benefit from a new business partnership between Aldi, an international grocery store chain, and Kohl’s Department Stores.

During Thursday’s City Council meeting at 2101 Jeffco Blvd., members will vote to allow a real estate developer to divide the Kohl’s property located at 2150 Michigan Ave. and allow an Aldi grocery store to be built in Arnold.

Aldi has three stores, about 10 miles outside of Arnold, in Fenton, Mehlville and Crestwood, stated the grocer’s website.

Documents submitted to City Hall stated Kohl’s would use approximately 8 acres of land. Aldi would use about 2 acres of land for the grocery store.

The Planning and Zoning Committee recommended Aldi building plan in 7-3 votes during a May 10 committee meeting at City Hall.

If council members allow the divided lot, developer John Sawyer of St. Louis-based Sawyer Engineering will prepare to build an Aldi grocery store across the parking lot from Kohl’s.

“Kohl’s approached Aldi at the corporate headquarters level about a pilot program because the companies share complimentary customers,” Sawyer said to planning and zoning commissioners.

Commissioner Jeff Campbell, who voted for the plan, said he was concerned about the expected traffic increase along Michigan Avenue.

“I’m worried about the safety issues because the location will be a destination for impulse and routine customers,” Campbell said.

Aldi would be the seventh grocery store in Arnold, said commissioner Bryan Wucher, who voted against the plan.

Other groceries in the area include Save-a-Lot, Dollar General, Good 4-U Nutrition, Walmart, Schnucks and Dierburgs. There are two Save-a-Lot locations in Arnold.

The new competition may lead to a 10-15 percent loss in business at other area groceries, possibly an anchor tenant moving out of a large mall and the elimination of 150 jobs from the area, Wucher said.

“That’s a concern for any business in a free market,” said Community Development Director Mary Holden said.

City ordinances cannot dictate which businesses enter Arnold, she said. The laws can only determine if the construction and landscaping plans meet city codes.

“Aldi will draw customers where ever it goes,” Committee Chairman Brian McArthur said.

McArthur, who voted against the plan, said Michigan Avenue was the wrong location for the grocery store. He also said he was concerns about available parking at the proposed location and the flow of traffic between the Kohl’s and Aldi parking lots.

Commissioner Frank Kutlek was the third vote against the plan.

Commissioner Jeff Fitter stated the benefit of having another grocery in the area. “I’m excited because Aldi will bring affordable food prices to Arnold," he said.

Aldi’s real estate developer will not proceed with construction plans if the Arnold City Council does not allow the split of the Kohl’s property on Michigan Avenue.