Aldi responds to new call for a Far North supermarket outlet
A German supermarket giant has responded to speculation of a long-awaited move to the Far North following a new petition pleading for Cairns’ first Aldi.
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A supermarket giant has responded to speculation of a long-awaited move to the Far North following a new online petition pleading for Cairns’ first Aldi.
The Change.org petition started by Shelby Williams in March stated “exorbitant grocery bills” and a market duopoly held by Woolworths and Coles as reasons for Aldi establishing a presence at the Far North of the state.
But the grocer says there are no plans to open a store in Cairns.
“This situation is unsustainable and unfair,” Ms Williams said.
“Aldi supermarket is known for its affordable prices and could provide a much-needed alternative in our community.
“I don’t understand how Coles and Woolworths have been able to get away with it as long as they have.”
In May last year Aldi opened its northern Queensland outlet at Townsville’s Willows Shopping Centre but at the time stated there were no plans to establish a store any further north.
Aldi has long been coveted by Cairns shoppers and with families feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis there’s been a new groundswell of support for a third major grocery retailer.
And of course there’s the trademark “special buys” that include a diverse variety of products ranging from alpine hiking gear and guitar pedals to gym equipment and battery-operated dancing flowers.
“This is my favourite thing about Aldi, the miscellaneous aisle, it’s just fun and random titbits,” Ms Williams said.
Construction underway for Rockhampton’s second Aldi, expected to open in early 2025 and Mackay’s first Aldi due to open later this year means Cairns is now the only regional Queensland centre to not be serviced by the German grocery giant.
This week the petition to bring an Aldi supermarket to Cairns had garnered 2150 signatures.
The company is aware of the petition, however enthusiasm for Cairns’ first Aldi appears to have not swayed the retailer.
Criteria for establishing an Aldi outlet includes having a population greater than 20,000 and available space on a major road with good access and exposure.
While Cairns meets the population criteria and DFO Cairns has signalled an intention to host an Aldi at the Westcourt shopping centre, the company’s response to the petition was clear.
Aldi said there were “no plans to share regarding a Cairns location”.
Previously, excessive transport costs were given as the reason for a Cairns store not being financially viable.
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Originally published as Aldi responds to new call for a Far North supermarket outlet
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