Aldi Australia has confirmed it will open its first stores in South Australia on February 3, 2016, after completing construction of its Regency Park distribution centre.
“The completion of Aldi’s distribution centre is an important step for our business,” Viktor Jakupec, MD, Aldi South Australia, said. “As the hub of Aldi’s network in South Australia, it will service up to 50 stores and help us to bring the Aldi shopping experience to local residents.”
Following the opening of its first stores at Seaford Heights, Parafield Gardens, Hallett Cove and Woodcroft in February, Aldi will open more at Modbury, Noarlunga, Mount Barker and St Agnes in March.
By the end of 2016, there is expected to be a total 16 stores across South Australia. As Aldi’s South Australian expansion continues to progress, other confirmed areas of interest include West Lakes, Hawthorn, Victor Harbor, Blakeview, Smithfield, Kilburn, Gilles Plains, Berri, Marion, Aldinga, Evanston, Nuriootpa, Golden Grove, Salisbury, Mount Gambier, Port Pirie and Yorke Peninsula.
Aldi’s first Store Managers have returned to South Australia after spending eight weeks on the eastern seaboard learning the ropes at established Aldi stores. The first 150 Store Assistants will begin their training later this month. The training will take place in several of Aldi’s completed South Australian stores ahead of the first stores opening next year.
“Our commitment to the personal development of Aldi employees starts from day one,” Jakupec said. “Aldi’s training program sets our employees up for career success. We’ve enjoyed seeing our staff grow alongside our business and independent employee surveys have consistently shown high levels of job satisfaction.”
This story first appeared in Consumer and Impulse Retailing.