Aldi launches Corner Store in convenience push

Aldi Australia is planning to convert a supermarket in a densely populated urban area into a trendy small-format ‘corner store’.

The budget grocery chain has submitted a development application to North Sydney Council about its proposal for transforming its existing North Sydney outlet into a brand new concept store in a major shake-up to the supermarket industry.

The smaller format store will appear different to what shoppers usually expect from a standard Aldi supermarket, with plans to offer an urban-style outlet featuring a new layout, a ‘hole in the wall’ cafe, new signage and street art.

Aldi Australia is planning to convert a supermarket in a densely populated urban area into a small format ‘corner store’

‘We know that Australians are looking for new and convenient shopping experiences, especially in densely populated areas, so we are exploring a smaller format store in North Sydney under a new store concept name: ALDI Corner Store,’ an Aldi spokeswoman said.

‘The development application in North Sydney has yet to be approved, so we will have more to share on this proposal at a later date.

‘But we can confirm the proposed small format update will offer a new store layout and more convenience-driven experiences to North Sydney shoppers.’

The budget grocery chain has submitted a development application to North Sydney Council about its proposal for transforming its existing North Sydney outlet into a brand new concept store in a major shake-up to the supermarket industry

If the proposal goes ahead, Aldi’s new corner store could rival major supermarkets Woolworths Metro and Coles Local, which are smaller formats mostly located in urban areas.

The new plans come nearly a year after Aldi opened a new supermarket store in Lane Cove on the lower north shore of Sydney – complete with state-of-the-art features and unique Special Buys products.

The modern format store features ‘better’ product displays, improved navigation, a modern interior design, redesigned shelving, expanded wooden produce bays, as well as extended energy-efficient chillers.