Discount supermarket chain, Aldi, has signalled that its South Australian expansion will be operational from early next year, as the completion of its Distribution Centre at Regency Park has come into effect.

As part of the expansion, the retailer has employed 150 store assistants who will commence training this month in preparation for the first store openings, confirmed to be on 3 February, 2016.

Victor Jakupec, MD, Aldi SA, said the completion of the distribution centre was an important step for the business in facilitating a new retail experience for South Australians.

“As the hub of Aldi’s network in South Australia, it will service up to 50 stores, and help us to bring the Aldi shopping experience to local residents.”

“We know excitement is building among South Australian shoppers and we look forward to showing them the benefits Aldi can bring both to their wallet and their lifestyle,” Jakupec said.

The first round of stores to open in February include Seaford Heights, Parafield Gardens, Hallett Cove, and Woodcroft.

This will be followed by the next phase of openings in March, inlcusive of sites in Modbury, Noarlunga, Mount Barker, and St Agnes,with a total of 16 stores expected to be open by the end of 2016.

Aldi’s first store managers, who were selected from a pool of more than 3000 applicants, have returned to South Australia after spending eight weeks on the eastern seaboard learning the company’s business protocol.

“Our commitment to the personal development of ALDI employees starts from day one,” Jakupec said.

“Aldi’s training program sets our employees up for career success. We’ve enjoyed seeing our staff grow alongside our business and independent employee surveys have consistently shown high levels of job satisfaction,” he added.

As the supermarket’s South Australian expansion continues to progress, other confirmed areas of interest include West Lakes, Hawthorn, Victor Harbor, Blakeview, Smithfield, Kilburn, Gilles Plains, Berri, Marion, Aldinga, Evanston, Nuriootpa, Golden Grove, Salisbury, Mount Gambier, Port Pirie and Yorke Peninsula.

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