As population and construction projects continue to grow in number in Arizona, the grocery industry is responding with growth of its own. Following is a roundup of some planned and recent store openings.
On Jan. 12, Aldi announced its plans for 2026 and beyond, including 180 new stores as well as three new distribution centers.
With westward expansion on Aldi’s agenda, Arizona has a significant role in those plans. Ten new stores are slated to open in the Phoenix market in 2026 alone, and a total of 40 new stores are expected in the market by the end of 2030.
To support the growth, Aldi is planning to open a new DC in Goodyear, with opening tentatively set for 2028.
The Batavia, Illinois-based retailer – celebrating its 50th anniversary of operating in the U.S. in 2026 – is investing $9 billion through 2028 on its store and DC projects. It also is launching a redesigned website and digital experience early this year to make shopping online easier and more personalized for the U.S. customer.
In addition to the Goodyear DC, facilities are planned in Florida and Colorado, the latter of which is a new market for Aldi.
“These strategic investments are all about making sure customers can continue to count on us for the quality, affordable groceries and enjoyable shopping experience they love,” said Atty McGrath, CEO of Aldi U.S., adding that the company’s data shows that one in three U.S. households shopped at an Aldi store in 2025.
“And in 2026 we’re focused on making it even easier for customers to shop our aisles first. That means bringing Aldi to even more neighborhoods, upgrading our website and planning additional distribution centers to keep our shelves stocked with the products our shoppers love.”
Safeway
A new Safeway in the rapidly growing Queen Creek area of Phoenix opened Jan. 9, according to KTAR News.
The store, at 22983 E. Riggs Road in Harvest Station, features a full-service pharmacy, DriveUp & Go grocery pickup, expanded Starbucks with seating, floral department, full-service sushi counter and all the traditional grocery departments.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the first 200 shoppers received free bags of groceries.
Another Safeway is expected to open this year at Verrado Marketplace in Buckeye. The development, from shopping center owner/manager Vestar, sits at the entrance of the 8,800-acre Verrado master-planned community.
Construction began in December 2024 and, according to atverradomarketplace.com, a majority of the tenants are projected to open in May. Target joins Safeway as a major anchor of the development.
Verrado Marketplace also will debut the combined Harkins & Backlot, described on the website as “a boutique cinema, dining and family entertainment experience.”
Buc-ee’s
The first Buc-ee’s in Arizona is on its way, with officials projecting an opening this summer. 
The store, according to a press release from the City of Goodyear, will span 74,000 square feet and feature 120 fuel pumps. The store will offer the brand’s signature items, including Texas-style barbecue, homemade fudge, Beaver Nuggets and jerky of all kinds, as well as the clean restrooms that have made Buc-ee’s a prime destination for many travelers.
“We’re really excited about our first location in Arizona, and we’re particularly pleased to be in Goodyear,” said Arch “Beaver” Aplin, Buc-ee’s co-founder and owner. “With the city’s business-friendly city council and its amazing employment opportunities, Goodyear is the perfect location for us.”
More than 200 full-time jobs are being created by the store.
The Goodyear Buc-ee’s travel center opening is said to be part of the company’s western expansion. Founded in Texas in 1982, Buc-ee’s now operates 51 stores across the country.
Seafood City
In December, Instagram account chandler_now provided an update about the long-awaited Seafood City store in Chandler: “@seafoodcitysupermarket is officially still on the way, with the latest timeline pointing to an early spring 2026 opening.” 
Located in Chandler Fashion Square mall, Seafood City will offer full-service meat and seafood counters, Filipino and Asian specialty groceries, hot food stations, a food hall, fresh produce, baked goods and ready-to-eat-meals, according to chandler_now.
The company’s website, seafoodcity.com, does not list any other stores in Arizona. The bulk of the company’s stores are in California (23), plus four in Nevada, two in Hawaii and one each in Chicago, Sugarland, Texas, and Tukwila, Washington. One is “coming soon” in Northern California, in Daly City. In addition, five stores operate in Canada.
Sprouts Farmers Market
Phoenix-based Sprouts opened a new store Oct. 17 in Yuma. Located at 10765 S. Commercial Centre Loop, the store is the grocer’s 48th in its home state and second in Yuma.
“Yuma is excited to have a second Sprouts in our community, providing more grocery options to local families and visitors alike,” said Mayor Douglas Nicholls. “This new location in the Foothills is a testament to the strong and consistent growth of the Yuma area.”
Through the Sprouts Food Rescue program, the store will donate groceries that are no longer fit for sale but still edible to the Yuma Community Food Bank.
Trader Joe’s
The first Trader Joe’s in the city of Goodyear opened Nov. 7. Located at the corner of N. Bullard Avenue and McDowell Road, the store is the California-based grocer’s 19th in Arizona.
The grocer describes the store this way on its website: “At Trader Joe’s in Goodyear, we see ourselves as your neighborhood grocery store. Step inside and you’ll find unconventional and interesting products in the Trader Joe’s label like Mandarin Orange Chicken and Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, as well as everyday basics like milk, eggs, meat, bakery item and fresh produce.”