DAWSONVILLE — Dawson County's planning board has approved a variance that could make way for a new grocery store on Ga. 400.

Aldi, which bills itself as the "nation's low-price grocery leader," has plans to build a store between Kani House and Beartooth Parkway.

"We're pleased they've selected Dawson County for their next expansion," said Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the Development Authority of Dawson County. "We're thrilled they're here."

According to the company, ALDI is a model of efficiency that eliminates overhead costs by offering "smart" practices, such as a cart rental system and "more than 1,400 of the most frequently purchased items sold under ALDI exclusive brands for prices up to 50 percent less than traditional supermarkets."

Other features include a smaller store footprint, open carton displays and encouraging customers to bring their own shopping bags.

Aldi has more than 1,300 locations, including locations on Hwy. 20 east of Cumming and in Gainesville.

"It's an indication of the strength of the economy and the belief by major companies that Dawson County is an important location to be in," Auvermann said. "This is a positive endorsement of our area as a crossroads for Dawson County, Gainesville, Forsyth County and all our neighbors to the north."

On March 17, the planning board approved the store's request for a 25-foot reduction in frontage from the required 100 feet setback to allow additional space for tractor trailer delivery truck access to the back of the building.

Calls to Aldi seeking comment were not immediately returned.