With over 10,000 store locations around the world and 60 years of experience to go with it, ALDI’s story is a tale of unrivaled success. Since opening its first store in 1913, it has established itself as one of the most reputable and awarded retailers in the international business market. The Australian ALDI expansion has grown strong from day one of our debut store in 2001, to building a presence of over 500 stores throughout NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD, SA, and WA. In our short time, we have come to be one of the top 10 Australian retailers. We have also influenced grocery prices, improved the perception and quality of private label goods with our own exclusive brand's philosophy, and introduced a number of market-leading initiatives never before seen in Australia.
The first foundation stone was laid in 1913 with the opening of a small food store in the German town of Essen. It didn't take long for this little 'service store' to become a popular place to shop. During the '40s and '50s, an expansion program was created and more ALDI stores were opened. The prosperous family business was then divided into two independent companies: ALDI Süd - to service the South, and ALDI Nord - for the North. 'Self-service' was still a relatively new retail structure in the '60s and ALDI became the first company in Germany to adopt this new retail concept. While customers were still able to take advantage of the same high-quality products as before, they could now purchase them at much more competitive prices. In 1983, ALDI Süd started chilled distribution depots and sold fresh products such as cheese, yogurt, and sausages. Frozen products came in 1998 and were closely followed by fresh meat. ALDI, to this day, continues to keep up with the ever-evolving taste of the modern consumer.
