Local residents soon will have a new choice when it comes to stocking their pantries and refrigerators.

After months of speculation, Midwestbased supermarket chain Aldi has submitted plans to city officials to build an 85,000- square-foot store on the former Gaffney Mall property at a cost of $900,000.

The store will occupy a space behind McDonald’s, City of Gaffney Zoning Administrator Tony Lavender said. Shoppers would have access to the supermarket from Floyd Baker Boulevard and Ellis Ferry Road.

Lavender said the city found no major issues with the building plans and should give its approval as soon as Aldi provides more documentation.

Aldi also is finalizing its stormwater drainage plan for state officials. Both permitting procedures should be completed by the end of the year, according to Lavender.

Aldi, which operates 900 stores in 28 states, boasts that it offers 1,300 regularstocked items at “the lowest price possible.”

Aldi would be in close proximity to Ingle’s at the Peachtree Marketplace. Bi-Lo and a Wal-Mart Supercenter also would be nearby rivals for grocery dollars.

A supermarket was located on the former mall property but went out of business when other retailers vacated the mall.