The store is the latest business in the shopping center to reopen, nearly nine months after Tropical Storm Chantal tore through North Carolina, bringing record flooding and forcing several businesses to shut down.
Floodwaters caused extensive damage inside stores throughout Eastgate Crossing, leaving behind mold and forcing long-term closures for many business owners.
ABC11 has followed the recovery from the beginning tracking cleanup efforts and speaking with contractors and mold specialists as businesses worked to rebuild.
Now, ALDI is among the final stores to reopen. Staff say they're preparing for a busy weekend as customers return, eager to shop close to home again.
For many, the reopening is about more than convenience. It's about affordability and a sense of normalcy.
"Given today's prices with gas, food, everything, it's good to have an affordable, convenient neighborhood store back," said shopper Sonya Simon.
Others say they had been closely watching for reopening updates online.
"I'm in a Facebook group called Chapel Hill Foodies, and people post there with speculation and hope. That's where I saw they were going to be open," said Elizabeth Evans.
And for some, the excitement is simple.
"I'm going to make some BBQ chicken and mac and cheese tonight for dinner," said shopper Youssef Mostafa, laughing.
While ALDI is back open, recovery across the plaza is still ongoing. There is no timeline yet for when Ulta or the bagel shop will reopen. Talbots and Birkenstock have closed permanently.
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