An ALDI employee stocks produce in this image provided by ALDI corporate

ALDI is slowly but surely making its way closer to Clovis with the opening of a Hanford location.

The German family owned discount supermarket chain plans to host the grand opening of the Hanford location at 1789 W. Lacey Blvd. on May 2 at 8 a.m. Festivities include a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Golden Ticket giveaway with gift cards to the first 100 customers. Shoppers can also sample ALDI exclusive brand foods and enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a year’s supply of produce.

“ALDI stores are designed to make life easier for people. We offer high-quality foods at affordable prices and a streamlined shopping experience unlike anything else,” said Tom Cindel, Moreno Valley group director of operations and logistics for ALDI. “From our award-winning products, to trendy, fresh and healthy options, we’re focused on carrying a selection that has something for everyone.”

The opening of the store in Hanford is part of a $3.4 billion investment to expand to 2,500 stores and create 25,000 new jobs nationwide by the end of 2022.

This is ALDI’s 65th location in California. A Porterville store — the Central Valley’s first — opened in December 2018. The Business Journal first reported in January that a Clovis location near Herndon and Fowler avenues in a former Fresh & Easy location was in the works. An opening date for that location is unknown.

ALDI made Forbes Magazine’s list of “America’s Best Large Employers” four years in a row and was also recognized as a 2018 National Top Workplace by Energage — an employee engagement platform — for the second consecutive year.

The new store layout features additional refrigeration space, according to a news release, and 20 % of ALDI product selection is new when compared to last year.

Part of the expansion includes ALDI increasing its fresh food selection by 40% with many organic and easy-to-prepare options.

Stores feature open ceilings, natural lighting and environmentally friendly building materials.

The Hanford store hours will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday.