Shoppers in Western Australia had their first taste of ALDI this week as the retailer opened its first stores in the state at Belmont Forum, Kwinana, Lakeside Joondalup and The Square Mirrabooka.
The stores feature ALDI’s new-look format, including modern shelving, expanded wooden produce bays, energy-efficient LED lighting and chillers, and updated signage and POS displays. The same high-quality, low-price groceries are offered to WA shoppers as in other states.
ALDI has confirmed that shoppers in WA will not pay higher prices compared with its stores on the east coast, for all products except fruit and vegetables, due to regional sourcing. According to ALDI Managing Director Western Australia Damien Scheidel, this reinforces the retailer’s long-term position as the price leader in market.
“At ALDI Australia, we’re committed to helping our customers stretch their grocery dollars further, without ever compromising on quality,” he said. “Western Australians will not pay any more for their groceries than ALDI shoppers on the eastern seaboard, with the exception of fresh fruit and vegetables. These products are purchased state by state and, therefore, there will be minor variances in pricing for these items.”
To support its statewide expansion, ALDI has already teamed up with 27 WA produce suppliers, including Newtown Orchards and WA Farm Direct. ALDI says regional sourcing ensures the freshest, highest-quality product at the best possible price, with a focus on seasonality and local producers.
This week’s store openings form part of ALDI’s long-term expansion plans, under which up to 70 stores will be developed across WA in coming years.
At the launch of the first four stores, WA Premier Colin Barnett welcomed ALDI to the state
“ALDI is a welcome addition to the Western Australian retail sector,” he said. “They will provide job opportunities and a wide variety of fresh local produce. I look forward to shopping there soon.”
ALDI has committed to opening up to 20 stores in WA before the end of 2016. Its next 10 stores will open in Halls Head, Australind, Harrisdale, Rockingham, Camillo, Southern River, Mandurah, Butler, Mundaring and South Lake.
