It's on track to have the most grocery stores in the metro area.

Aldi is continuing major expansion in Minnesota by opening its latest store in the Twin Cities metro.

The budget retailer's newest store can be found at 1160 Clarence Street in St. Paul's Phalen Village, and it will open its doors next Thursday, Dec. 12.

The retailer is promising a "smarter, faster and easier grocery shopping experience" for St. Paul residents, with the store's opening coming amid the chain's ambitious national expansion with the aim of becoming the third largest grocery store chain by store count by the end of 2022.

It's well on the way to becoming the largest in Minnesota, with the Star Tribune reporting earlier this year that Aldi should have 70 stores in the state by the end of this year, not far behind Cub Foods with 77.

The St. Paul store will open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., though the grand opening starts with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:25 a.m. on Dec. 12, with the first 100 customers through the doors getting gift cards.

“The ALDI approach to grocery retailing is different by design. Our stores, including our brand new St. Paul store, are purposefully designed to create cost savings and efficiencies on every shopping trip," said Matt Lilla, Faribault division vice president for Aldi.

"We know shopping for groceries is essential, which is why we work hard to make it easy and enjoyable."

It's one of two new locations opening in St. Paul, with the other opening at Sibley Plaza. Other recent openings include stores in Chanhassen, St. Louis Park, and Blaine.