Geraldton potential ALDI site as expansion planned

German discount supermarket chain ALDI says it has an interest in Geraldton.

In response to questions fromThe Geraldton Guardian , a spokesperson for ALDI Australia said the company recognised Geraldton’s potential as part the company’s long-term expansion plans.

“We have not secured a site in the area at this stage, but will update the commu-nity as our plans progress,” the spokesperson said. City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said a number of developers had been involved in talks with the City about property developments that “could potentially include ALDI”.

“But there have been no direct discussions between the City and ALDI, to my knowledge,” he said.

Mr Van Styn said the City was fielding strong interest from developers, who were looking at sites in the CBD and in the suburbs. He said they were typically looking at developing complexes anchored by a major tenant.

ALDI toldThe Guardian it planned to open 20 stores in WA before the end of the year, with up to 70 stores to be developed in coming years.

The spokesperson said ALDI was eager to bring its shopping experience to more West Australians, offering high-quality products at permanently low prices.

This follows news Kmart is scouting locations for a possible Geraldton store.

Mr Van Styn earlier this month confirmed the department store giant was evaluating two sites: Wesfarmers-owned site near Geraldton Homemaker Centre and land currently occupied by City offices.

A Kmart spokeswoman said a formal announcement would be made if and when a site location in Geraldton had been secured.