Aldi to temporarily launch checkout feature for Camp Quality

The supermarket chain is introducing a checkout feature customers have begged the German retailer for since it opened in Australia.

For years customers have begged Aldi for assistance packing grocery bags – and now they’re finally bending to the demand in the most unique way possible.

Former Bachelor contestant Matthew “Matty J” Johnson will be appearing at Aldi Brookvale, in Sydney’s Northern Beaches to help frazzled shoppers with the speedy check-out process after becoming the first ever “chief packing officer” for the German retailer.

However, the reality TV star will only assume his new role for one day only.

On September 16, Matty J will be at the store from 8.30am until 2pm to help customers pack bags for a $2 donation to children’s cancer charity, Camp Quality.

“What an honour to be chosen as ALDI Australia’s first ever Chief Packing Officer – I’ve always wanted a chief officer title,” the new chief packing officer said.

Matty J has become Aldi's "chief packing officer". Picture: Supplied

“I like to think I have a certain skill when it comes to packing groceries, but I’ve been brushing up on my speed, agility, and technique, and am looking forward to packing as many bags as I can for this great cause.”

Alex Foster, Aldi’s managing director NSW, said Matty J, who is joined by MasterChef contestant Steph De Sousa, has been put through a rigorous training schedule for the big day and is up to the task.

“We’re excited to welcome Matty J as our first-ever Chief Packing Officer in store on September 16,” Alex said.

“We know our customers are expert bag packers themselves, so we’ve been busy putting Matty J through his paces to ensure he respects the golden rules of packing — heavy stuff down the bottom, lighter items on top, and make sure the bread doesn’t get squashed.

Aussies have been asking for checkout assistance since the German retailer first opened. Picture: Claudia Baxter

“We firmly believe he’s ready to rise to the challenge and hope Aussies can support Camp Quality with us once again as they come out to see Matty J’s packing skills be put to the test.”

For every other store, customers can get on board with a good cause by donating at the Aldi register or online, with the supermarket matching donations up to $100K.

Aldi will also be releasing Camp Quality Special Buys range – including a children’s two pack of T-shirts, with a $8.99 price tag, a reversible bucket hat for $7.99 and some sunnies, also worth $7.99.

There is also a Special Buys clothing range. Picture: Supplied

Aldi has been in a partnership with Camp Quality since 2020, with Deborah Thomas, Camp Quality’s CEO, saying: “Camp Quality Month at Aldi is pivotal in driving awareness of the impact a cancer diagnosis has on Australian families. It also raises much needed funds so that children facing the trauma of cancer can do so with specialist cancer care, a supportive community, opportunities for respite and fun experiences, as well as age-appropriate education programs.

“Thanks to the generous support of Aldi, 5,662 kids facing cancer have had the opportunity to attend recreational programs that help to reconnect the family, build resilience and optimism, and create positive memories that change their cancer story.”

Earlier this year, a former Aldi staff member revealed just why staff scan items so quickly, after a debate was sparked on whether the regular checkouts or self serve was more efficient.

Many joked that the speed of the regular Aldi checkout was incredibly fast as is.