No retailpocalypse here: How much longer can the grocery wars last?

WOODBRIDGE — Aldi announced another hiring event this Sunday in Woodbridge.

It comes as the discount grocery company aims to increase its nationwide store count to 2,500 and hire 25,000 new people by 2022.

The small grocery chain has build a big local following over the years, with fans who not only shop at the store for the quality of the organic fruits, vegetables, or dry goods, but for the low prices.

Last year, Aldi temporarily closed its stores in Manassas, Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Woodbridge to remodel them ahead of the opening of Lidl stores, a direct low-price grocery competitor that is now in the process of opening its stores in many of the same communities.

When remodeled, lines of people stood outside the Aldi stores on the day they were reopened. They celebrated wider aisles, more selection, and, simply, having their Aldi store open once again.

All grand-reopening celebrations aside, the grocery market is competitive with new players like Amazon entering the market with its purchase of Whole Foods Markets last year.

Aldi and Lidl operate on a cut-to-the-bone pricing model in order to bring in customers. And, unlike the retail apocalypse that has lead to store closures for household names like Macy’s, Sears, and most recently Toys R’ Us, in the competitive grocery world, there’s no end in sight.

“It can go on for quite a while,” said Gerald Hanweck, a professor of finance at George Mason University.

The grocery model is different because, unlike shopping for household or electronic items, you really need to be there to take it all in.

“Grocery is when you really need to see the product. Looking at it online is not going add to you shopping pleasure,” said Hanweck. “When when you have it delivered to your house, if it’s not the right quality, it’s not going to work well for you.”

But once people find what they like, Hanweck expects the home grocery delivery business to grow, too. You will be able to thank players like Amazon for that. 

Aldi will hold its hiring event from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 22 at its store at 13782 Smoketown Road in Woodbridge. The company seeks to hire new store managers with a salary range between $52,000 and $62,000 per year, and store associates who make $13.50 an hour.