DAWSONVILLE — Corporate officials have announced that plans for an Aldi grocery store along Ga. 400 in Dawson have been called off.

"At this point we are not pursuing a site in Dawsonville," said Thom Behtz, Jefferson division vice president. "ALDI chooses its site locations based on population density, proximity to competition, cost of the property and traffic patterns to be conveniently based where ALDI shoppers are located."

According to an email from Behtz, the Dawson market is "too small" at this time.

Aldi, which bills itself as the "nation's low-price grocery leader," had plans to build a new location between Kani House and Beartooth Parkway on Ga. 400.

The cancelation came just weeks after Dawson County’s planning board approved the grocer'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.

Aldi's initial plan to bring a store to Dawsonville was well-received in the community. The company has more than 1,300 locations, including a store on Hwy. 20 in Forsyth County.

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."

Charlie Auvermann, executive director of the Development Authority of Dawson County, said his office was disappointed in Aldi’s decision but hopeful it will reconsider in the near future.

"Every firm has its specific criteria and strategy for expansion and we fully respect those internal parameters," he said.