Aldi has said it plans to open 25 outlets in Australia this year, building on its 300-plus store network.
The discounter, which has 305 stores across the east of the country, is continuing its expansion in the country.
Last year, Aldi opened 26 outlets in Australia, shy of its target of 30. However, the retailer has national ambitions in Australia. It confirmed recent reports it is searching for locations for distribution centres and stores in two states where it does not have a presence – Western Australia and South Australia.
“Aldi Australia has made the decision to establish distribution centres and stores in South Australia and Western Australia, an Aldi spokesperson told just-food. “We anticipate it will take a number of years to secure a distribution centres site and sufficient store locations in each state before commencing operations. “We expect to open 40 to 50 stores in South Australia and 60 to 70 in Western Australia.”
Reports this week claimed Aldi plans to spend A$1.5bn on its expansion in Australia. The spokesperson was coy about numbers but said: “We do not comment on specific levels of investment in each country, however we continue to commit to investing in Australia.”
