German supermarket chain Aldi has signed a lease for the former Big Lots location on outer Brighton Avenue in Portland. Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald

Aldi, the supermarket chain founded in Germany and known for its deep discounts and coin-operated shopping carts, has signed a lease to take over the former Big Lots store in Portland’s Pine Tree Shopping Center.

That would mark the chain’s first venture into Maine, though it’s not yet clear when the store may open or how many workers may be hired.

Aldi signed a lease agreement at the shopping center at 1100 Brighton Ave. for the roughly 25,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Big Lots, which closed last year, said Maria Pace, spokesperson for Brixmore Property Group, which manages the center.

“We can confirm that we signed a lease with Aldi, contingent upon municipal approval,” Pace said in an email Thursday. “At this time, we do not have any additional information, but would be happy to share updates as we move forward in this process.”

Pace didn’t respond when asked what sort of approvals Aldi might be seeking from the city.

Chris Daniels, vice president of Aldi’s South Windsor division, which includes Maine, would not give details about a possible store opening or when it might take place.

“As soon as we have information regarding further Aldi expansion in this area, we will reach out,” Daniels said.

Aldi operates 2,466 stores in the United States, but none in Maine. The nearest are in New Hampshire, where the chain has nine stores, including in Newington and Dover.

Rumors that Aldi was moving into the former Big Lots store cropped up last fall, but speculation has been swirling for a while.

“We could really use a few dozen Aldi stores,” one Mainer commented one year ago in a social media chat about where to buy the cheapest groceries.

Anticipation mounted after the chain announced plans last March to add 800 stores by the end of 2028. The $9 billion expansion would strengthen an already strong presence in the Northeast and Midwest, adding nearly 330 stores across both regions.

“Our growth is fueled by our customers, and they are asking for more Aldi stores in their neighborhoods nationwide,” Aldi CEO Jason Hart said at the time. “With up to 40% savings on groceries, new customers are inspired to try us out, and existing customers keep coming back.”

Aldi carries mostly store-brand foods, household essentials, pet supplies and personal items. It is best known for its gourmet cheeses, German foods, European chocolates, inexpensive wines and store-brand ketchup.

Similar to Trader Joe’s and less expensive than Whole Foods, both in Portland, Aldi is poised to  join other supermarket chains venturing into Maine in recent years and expanding shopping options beyond Hannaford and Shaw’s.

Other newcomers include the state’s first Costco, which opened in Scarborough in 2023, and Market Basket, which plans to open its fourth store in the state at The Downs in Scarborough in 2026.

Aldi made national news last week when HR Brew reported that the bargain grocer with more than 50,000 employees had quietly removed information about its “Aldinclusive” diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from its website, following other major retailers in the wake of similar moves by the Trump administration.

The website now says Aldi is an equal opportunity employer that “is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities in accordance with all legal requirements.”