ALDI has hit a major milestone in Australia, and it’s not just another store opening—it’s a sign of how much the supermarket landscape has changed since the German retailer first landed on our shores.
On Saturday, 31 May, ALDI will open its 600th Australian store in Wright, Canberra, bringing its signature ‘Good Different’ shopping experience to even more locals.
For those who remember the days before ALDI, it’s hard to believe how quickly the brand has become a household name, shaking up the way we shop and save.
A brief history: From two stores to a national powerhouse
ALDI’s Australian journey began in 2001, with just two stores in Sydney—one in Marrickville and another near Bankstown Airport.
Back then, the idea of a supermarket filled with unfamiliar brands, self-service packing, and a no-frills approach was a novelty.
Fast-forward nearly 25 years, and ALDI’s unique business model—focusing on high-quality groceries at the lowest possible prices—has won over millions of Australians.
Today, a whopping 88 per cent of the population lives within 20km of an ALDI store. That’s a testament to how quickly the retailer has become part of our weekly routines.
What makes ALDI ‘good different’?
If you’ve ever shopped at ALDI, you’ll know it’s not quite like the other supermarkets. The stores are designed for efficiency, with a streamlined layout, a curated range of products (most of them exclusive to ALDI), and those famous Special Buys that have people lining up early on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The new Wright store is no exception, boasting a spacious 1078 sqm floor plan, self-checkouts, a modern interior, and even underground parking for added convenience.
ALDI’s Managing Director for NSW/ACT, Amy Peters, says the 600th store is a special milestone: ‘We have been delivering shoppers across the country unbeatable value for almost 25 years, and we can’t wait for the locals in Wright to experience this for themselves.’
And it’s not just about price—ALDI has won Canstar Blue’s award for Australia’s Most Satisfied Shoppers seven years running, thanks to its focus on quality as well as value.
Supporting Australian producers and local jobs
One of the lesser-known aspects of ALDI’s success is its commitment to Australian suppliers. Over 1000 local business partners help stock ALDI’s shelves, from farmers growing award-winning produce to coffee roasters crafting the much-loved Lazzio beans in Melbourne.
This focus on local partnerships has helped many small and medium businesses grow alongside ALDI’s expansion.
Jordan Lack, ALDI Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer, highlights the mutual benefits: ‘We have seen first-hand the scale at which some of our Business Partners have been able to expand thanks to our long-standing relationships.’
‘Our 600th store opening simply would not have been possible if it weren’t for our strong network of Business Partners and their commitment to developing the award-winning products ALDI shoppers know and love.’
ALDI’s growth has also meant more jobs for Australians, with over 17,000 people now employed nationwide.
The company has been recognised as an Employer of Choice for seven consecutive years, reflecting its focus on staff wellbeing and development.
Why are more Australians choosing ALDI?
It’s not just the newcomers who are flocking to ALDI—existing customers are shopping there more often, too.
Recent data shows a 3.7 per cent increase in Australian households shopping at ALDI, with many citing the unbeatable combination of price and quality as the main drawcard. As Mr Lack puts it, ‘They come in for price but stay for the quality.’
The ALDI model is simple but effective: a limited range of carefully selected products, minimal overheads, and a focus on efficiency.
This allows the retailer to pass on significant savings to customers without compromising on quality.
And let’s not forget those Special Buys—where else can you pick up a new garden hose, a set of cookware, and your weekly groceries all in one go?
What’s in store for Wright locals?
The new ALDI Wright store will offer the full ALDI experience, including fresh fruit and veg, 100 per cent Australian meat, and a rotating selection of Special Buys.
It will open at 8:30 am on Saturday, 31 May, at 4 Gornall Street, Wright ACT 2611, and will be open daily from 8:30 am to 8 pm
For locals, this means more choice, more savings, and a new way to shop that’s already won over millions of Australians.
Whether you’re a seasoned ALDI fan or a first-timer, the opening is sure to be a big event for the community.
The ALDI effect: Changing the way we shop
ALDI’s arrival in Australia has had a ripple effect across the entire supermarket sector. The focus on value and efficiency has forced competitors to lift their game, leading to better deals and more options for shoppers everywhere.
For many with a keen eye for value and quality, ALDI’s approach is especially appealing, helping stretch the budget further without sacrificing the things that matter.
Have your say!
Are you an ALDI convert, or do you still prefer the big two? Have you discovered any hidden gems in the ALDI aisles, or do you have a Special Buys story to share? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences, especially if you’re planning to check out the new Wright store. Drop a comment below and join the conversation!
And if you’re in the area, why not pop in and see what all the fuss is about? You might just find your new favourite way to shop.
Also read: Why pay $570? Shoppers rave about ALDI’s $40 dupe of Le Creuset cookware
