TAMARAC (CBSMiami) – Months in the making, discount grocer ALDI is opening two new South Florida stores this week.

On Thursday they held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their newest location in Tamarac in the 7100 block of N. University Drive.  On Wednesday, ALDI officials cut the ribbon at another new store in Cutler Bay at 19650 S. Dixie Highway but didn’t officially open its doors to the public.

Shoppers who check out the new locations are urged to “Switch & Save” with ALDI, where they can get “all the holiday essentials and save up to 50 percent”.

ALDI officials said stores usually carry more than 1,400 of the most frequently purchased grocery items, which are sold under ALDI exclusive brands, for up to 50 percent less than traditional supermarkets.

“As important as price is, there’s only one way to attract and keep shoppers: you must have quality products. When people try our ALDI select brands, they find out that inexpensive can be great,” said David Behm, Haines City division vice president for ALDI.

Typical of a discount grocery, ALDI’s stores are smaller than your average grocery store, have few brand names and shoppers have to bag their own groceries. And while they may not have fancy bakeries or deli counters, shoppers will find items like canned vegetables for under 50-cents.

ALDI also saves shoppers money by keeping stores open during prime shopping times. The new locations will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. ALDI accepts cash, debit and EBT cards.

ALDI plans to open more than 80 stores by the end of 2011.