Hartwell Mayor Says the Town’s Economic Growth is a Group Effort

Hartwell Mayor Brandon Johnson points to years of planning and hard work on the part of City Fathers and staff for the success in bringing another major retailer to town.

Johnson this week announced that German grocery store chain ALDI plans to build a new store on US 29 in the Oakview Crossing property across from the Hampton Inn.

Thursday Johnson told WLHR News Hartwell met the retailer’s data points for the number of consumers it attracts, which made it a good fit for their store.

Johnson also pointed to the increasing population growth with new housing developments going up in Hartwell.

But he said all that growth is the result of stakeholders coming together to work toward a common goal.

In 2023 the City of Hartwell won the Georgia Downtown of the Year from the University of Georgia Archway Partnership Program.

Hartwell is also host to other major retail chains including Ingles, Walmart, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Belks, and others.

Johnson said he hopes the decision by ALDI to locate there will lead to more major retailers taking an interest in the town.

Johnson said ALDI plans to begin construction on their new store by early summer.