Chirnside Park Kaufland canned as the supermarket giant withdraws from Australia
Kaufland’s shock withdrawal has received a mixed reaction from the community around Chirnside Park, where groundwork for one of the German giant’s future supermarkets had already started. Now questions are being asked about the site’s future.
Outer East
Don't miss out on the headlines from Outer East. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Shovels have been downed in Chirnside Park after Kaufland’s shock announcement it was pulling out of the Australian market.
The European discount supermarket giant, which had already started works on its 3.94ha Maroondah Highway site, announced earlier this week it would withdraw from the Australian market to concentrate on its overseas business.
The supermarket shop floor was tipped to be much larger than a Coles or Woolworths, and include food and alcohol, as well as household and garden items.
Its other Victorian stores were Oakleigh South – which would also include Kaufland’s head office — Coolaroo, Dandenong, Epping, and a distribution centre in Mickleham.
Chirnside Park has long been scarred by an abandoned development site, on the opposite side of Maroondah Highway, which was dropped by developer Lacola but remains an eyesore.
Yarra Ranges Cr Terry Avery said prep works had already been undertaken on the Chirnside Park site close to Dan Murphy’s including drainage and other earthworks.
“I think it’s very sad,” Cr Avery said.
“It’s unfortunate because it was going to put money into the economy and boost employment.”
He said it would also have also been beneficial for consumers, providing competition with other big supermarkets in the area.
Meanwhile there was a mixed response on Lilydale & Yarra Valley’s Facebook page, with many people supporting independent supermarkets and smaller businesses.
Karen Fleming said she was “glad” Kaufland was no longer coming to town.
“Too many giant chains killing off small and medium businesses. You might save some money but customer service, individuality and choice are non-existent in large chains,” Ms Fleming said.
Ray Wathall said it was “terrific news” for all the Australian-owned small independent supermarkets.
And Eloise Thornton said: “We need more independent grocer’s not more giant chains sending profits overseas anyway.”
Others were disappointed with the decision.
MORE NEWS: IS THIS THE MOST AUSSIE MILKSHAKE EVER?
REAL ESTATE AGENT TO FIGHT ASSAULT CHARGES
MAN SHOOTS HIMSELF IN GROIN WITH HOMEMADE SHOTGUN
Alan Hunter said: “How disappointing, as much as I love Aldi, I’m annoyed they have discontinued some really good products, and would have loved to see some competition for them, bugger.”
While Casey Phoenix said she was shocked.
“They invested a lot of money already. It speaks volumes about the direction our economy is going in,” Ms Pheonix said.
Kaufland has been contacted for comment.