ALDI closing Milwaukee location near Sherman and Custer; last day Jan. 11

MILWAUKEE - ALDI confirmed for FOX6 News on Friday, Jan. 9 that it is closing its location near Sherman and Custer on Milwaukee's north side. The final day of operation is set for Sunday, Jan. 11. 

The announcement adds more to a growing issue – food deserts in Milwaukee. 

ALDI closing Milwaukee location

What we know:

An ALDI spokesperson noted in a statement that the "decision is a part of a strategic effort to better allocate resources and continue providing a high-quality shopping experience at our nearby stores."

ALDI has two remaining locations on Milwaukee's north side. They include 6700 W. Capitol Drive and 225 E. Capitol Drive. Officials said customers can aksi get ALDI products through its delivery partners Instacart, DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Neighborhood shoppers react

What they're saying:

"I'm about 5 minutes away. So when I say quick stop, shop, yeah, this is what this is for me," said Yvette. "This location was really important, not only to me but to others as well."

"This was actually my first time to hear that it is closed. It's kind of sad because I like to come here weekly," said Biancaa Johnson, a Milwaukee mother. 

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Milwaukee County Supervisor Felesia Martin (7th District) told FOX6 News she learned about the closure when FOX6 News reached out. 

"It's an ongoing issue, and we'll continue to work with economic development, reaching out to the offices of ALDIs and other grocers in the area to see what we can do, and put our heads together and bring in our allies and partners to see if we can find some solutions," Martin said. 

ALDI statement

What they're saying:

"We remain focused on helping our customers save money on quality groceries while fostering an environment where our employees can thrive. We are proud to say all employees have been offered a transfer to a nearby store and no jobs were lost as a result of this closing," the spokesperson said. 

Milwaukee Alderwoman Andrea Pratt issued the following statement on the ALDI closure: 

"The closing is disappointing and will make it more difficult for many regular customers – especially those who do not have access to a vehicle – to obtain their groceries and other critical items.

"Additionally, it is just the latest development in a trend of recent divestment from neighborhoods where there are already few fresh food resources available to residents. The recent closures of Pick ‘n Save stores nearby (35th and North and on Silver Spring Dr. in Glendale) are making it so that residents must travel significantly farther to secure their food, necessities, and medications.

"I will be working closely with city staff and our local business community to see what we can do to attract new grocery outlets to the 1st District and the north side."

Grocers that have or may have to close

Local perspective:

In July, Kroger announced the closure of 60 stores nationwide. Two of those stores were in Milwaukee neighborhoods with already limited options for fresh food. 

Earlier this week, the owner of the Sherman Park Grocery Store announced the business could close. 

Since opening in 2022, Sherman Park Grocery Store has focused on bringing fresh fruits and vegetables to the neighborhood near Sherman and Fond du Lac, owner Maurice "Moe" Wince said. Now, Wince says the store is facing mounting financial pressures.

Wince cited theft, rising food costs, FoodShare benefit issues and flood damage as factors making it difficult to keep the doors open. He said a closure would have ripple effects for residents who rely on the store.

Lack of grocers

Dig deeper:

The Sherman Park Grocery Store is located in one of the city’s 13 food deserts. The closest full-service grocery option is a Pick ’n Save near 56th and Capitol – about a five-minute drive, a 15-minute bus ride or a 30-minute walk. The nearest Aldi, near 68th and Capitol, is roughly a nine-minute drive and about an hour walk.

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In an effort to keep their doors open, Sherman Park Grocery is reaching out for help from the community. Wince said support could include financial help, volunteering or community connections.

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