Ann Arbor is getting a second Aldi discount grocery. With the first on Maple Rd. covering the west side, the new one will be on Carpenter Rd.

The site is across the street from a Kroger store and less than a mile from the east-side Meijer’s. But in bracing contrast to those megastores, the German-owned chain practices a thrifty minimalism. A CEO once said that it wanted to “suck the profit” out of the grocery business, and its small stores and staffs, limited hours and selection, and in-your-face penny-pinching (carts require a deposit, and customers must bring their own bags) enable very low prices. The company, which has nearly 6,000 stores worldwide, also took a green turn recently, announcing plans to make all of their product packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable.

The existing traffic light by Kroger will be modified to serve both stores. The Cincinnati-based grocery giant is no doubt wondering how many of its customers will cross the road.