Kaufland’s entrance into the Australian market has gathered pace after the German retailer won approval for three stores in Victoria, as well as a distribution centre and a headquarters in Melbourne.
The three sites approved for Kaufland’s first stores in Australia are at Chirnside Park, Dandenong and Epping. The distribution centre will be located in Mickleham and the Managing Director of Kaufland Australia, Julia Kern, said the approvals would mean up to 1600 jobs would be created in the state.
“Kaufland is committed to long term investment both in Victoria and across Australia. The development and approval of our first three stores, our distribution centre and our proposed future headquarters in Victoria will result in the creation of up to 1600 Victorian jobs,” Kern said.
The approvals were also welcomed by Economic Development Minister Tim Pallas, who said Kaufland’s move into Victoria was a vote of confidence in the state’s economy.
“Kaufland’s investment will boost our economy, create jobs and provide opportunities for local businesses, not to mention open up a whole new world of supermarket shopping for Victorian families,” he said.
The Kaufland Australia website states: “Our stores are full service supermarkets, offering a wide range of products across all price categories – from premium to budget. Kaufland is built on the pillars of simplicity, quality, variety and price.
“We pride ourselves on being a one-stop-shop destination retailer, covering people’s everyday needs. Our aim is to provide the widest variety of local, regional and international produce and products, including mixed retail space that can be used by other businesses.
“With our Australian headquarters based in Melbourne and state offices in Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide, we are well positioned for growth and establishing high performing teams to deliver stores that offer a wide range of competitively priced fresh, grocery and non-food items.”
Kaufland will bring its hypermarket format to Australia with each store expected to have an area of at least 4000 square metres and will offer a butcher, bakery and liquor retailing.