Aldi, a German-owned chain of grocery stores, plans to open 45 Southern California locations by the end of 2016. Here are some Aldi facts: • The company opened its first U.S. stores in 1976 in Iowa. • Aldi plans to open 45 stores in Southern California by the end of 2016.• Each store will be about 10,000 square feet, employing about 20 people. • Aldi’s Southern California headquarters will be in Moreno Valley.— Kevin Smith. Aldi, a German discount grocer with nearly 1,400 U.S. stores, plans to open 45 locations in Southern California, with the first stores opening in March. CLOSER LOOK. Aldi, a German-owned chain of grocery stores, plans to open 45 Southern California locations by the end of 2016. Here are some Aldi facts: • The company opened its first U.S. stores in 1976 in Iowa. • Aldi plans to open 45 Southland stores by the end of 2016.