By Andrew Starke
German retailer Aldi has applied for liquor licenses in NSW as the supermarket chain looks to compete with Coles and Woolworths, despite playing down the scale of its liquor store ambitions.
Contacted by TheShout, a spokesperson for Aldi Stores said its application was a response to ‘consumer demand for a service that is already offered in many supermarkets’.
“We aim to provide our customers with a convenient shopping experience by providing all their shopping needs under one roof,” she said.
The retailer has been selling alcohol for a number of years in the ACT and Victoria and hopes to get the green light to sell liquor in all 102 of its NSW stores.
The spokesperson said the liquor license application process was likely to take some time to be resolved and a decision as to whether Aldi will sell alcohol in NSW will not be made until the outcome of these applications is known.
However, if the retailer follows the model it has used in other states, its licensed premises are likely to be in-store, boutique and feature mainly premium brands.
“Shoppers will have access to a unique range of high quality alcohol products that are exclusive to Aldi,” said the spokesperson.
“The products and prices will be the same as those already sold in our Victorian and ACT stores.
“We have been selling alcohol for a number of years in the ACT and Victoria, and we are an experienced liquor retailer in this regard.”
Aldi opened its doors in Australia in 2001 and has about five percent of the national grocery market.