Could this be the Aldi killer? German discount chain Lidl prepares to open in Australia
IT’S the discount chain which just beat Aldi to be named Britain’s best supermarket, and now it’s headed down under.
Coles and Woolworths are set to face even greater competition as German grocery store Lidl lays the ground to enter the local market, The Australian reports.
Lidl, ranked by Deloitte as the fourth-largest retailer in the world with $128 billion in annual sales, has reportedly been in discussions with logistics providers and has applied for a wide range of home brand trade marks.
According to The Australian, Lidl is seeking to protect its name and distinctive blue, red and yellow logo for a range of goods and services including food, coffee, alcohol, furniture, utensils and cleaning equipment.
Consumer group Choice has welcomed the entry of another discount chain to take the fight to Coles and Woolworths. Choice’s recent supermarket basket survey found consumers could cut their grocery bills in half by shopping at Aldi.
Lidl is seen as the chief competitor to discount chain Aldi, which came to Australia in 2001 and now holds nearly 11 per cent market share on the east coast, with 370 stores across the country.
“It is good news for consumers that Lidl is planning to enter Australia. On the back of Aldi’s rapid rise, Lidl’s future looks bright down under as consumers seek out more affordable groceries,” said Choice spokesman Tom Godfrey.
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