By Rowan Forster
German retail powerhouse Aldi will open a second store in Pakenham, fuelling a fierce supermarket stoush against Woolworths and Coles.
The chain has unveiled plans for a $4 million store on the corner of Slattery Place and Henry Street – just a stone-throw away from the suburb’s central shopping precinct.
Encompassing 77-79 and 81 Henry Street, the discount grocer would be across the road from a number of residential properties.
It will be the eighth major supermarket in Pakenham, competing against three Coles and three Woolworths stores.
Shoppers have expressed their excitement for the amped-up competition the store will provide, hopeful the new Aldi location will bring relief for their budgets.
“It’ll just be up the road for me so hopefully they can drive the prices down and we can do our shopping cheaper,” Graham Bell, of John Street, said.
“The more stores, the better the competition is I suppose.”
“I’m particularly a fan of their alcohol, which is a lot cheaper, and just as good as the regular brands,” Darren Muir added.
Aldi is also hoping to challenge the heavyweight chains, citing the response to the already existing Lakeside store, which opened in 2008, as the reason for the expansion.
A spokeswoman for Aldi Victoria said the retailer was a major draw card for those hunting quality and extra value.
“Since opening in Pakenham, we’ve seen strong demand in the local community for an alternative place to shop,” she said.
“Our decision to open a second store will make it even more convenient for local residents to shop with us.”
“Even if a customer doesn’t shop at Aldi, they still benefit from having an Aldi store in their local area as it places pressure on retailers to be competitive.”
As part of the proposal, an adjoining car park will be developed.
It has not yet been confirmed how many spaces it will include.
Council planners are currently undertaking a preliminary assessment of the development.
It comes after Aldi, now the country’s third largest retail giant, announced it would open 32 new stores across the nation.
While not all stores will sell booze, the new Pakenham facility has proposed to hold a liquor license.
It comes as international chains are increasingly entering the Australian market, including discount German supermarket Kaufland, owned by the fourth largest retailer in the world The Schwarz Group.
