A popular supermarket chain is expected to open its first location in Maine.

ALDI has signed a lease to take over the former Big Lots store in Portland’s Pine Tree Shopping Center on Brighton Avenue.

The supermarket chain was founded in Germany and is known for deep discounts, coin-operated shopping carts, and offering no grocery bags at check-out lanes. Shoppers also bag their own groceries in a space adjacent to checkout lanes, often using boxes.

It’s not clear when the Portland store will open, or how many employees it will hire.

ALDI operates almost 2,500 stores in the U.S.

The company announced plans last year to add 800 new stores as part of a $9 billion expansion plan.

The last major retail store opening in Maine, which also offers grocery products was Cosco in 2023. The Cosco store in Scarborough is its only location in the state.