While readying to open a new distribution center this fall in Haines City, Fla., German discount grocer Aldi is concurrently gearing up to open roughly 25 new stores in central Florida.

The soon-to-open $40 million, 500,000-square-foot depot will service Aldi's newest batch of stores in the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Orlando areas that will soon begin opening in September.

In the fragile economy, Aldi -- operates 900 stores in the U.S. in 26 states from Kansas to the East Coast -- has been vigorously touting its ability to save consumers money through practices such as having shoppers bring or purchase reusable bags and pay a quarter deposit to use a shopping cart. The store offers fresh fruits and meats, frozen foods, dairy and bakery products, as well as canned goods, paper products and boxed goods.