ALDI expanding to China

Germany-based discounter ALDI is opening its first stores in China on June 7 as part of a pilot program.

According to the Lebensmittel Zeitung, a German retail blog, the two stores will be in Shanghai. Although ALDI is said to want to proceed cautiously during the pilot phase, it’s expected the retailer’s medium-term store count will reach 50 to 100.

Individuals familiar with the matter describe ALDI’s Shanghia stores as "more modern than company stores in Europe,” according to the blog. Under the company’s slogan, “Everyday value — handpicked for you,” the grocer will offer a considerably more upmarket proposition than any of its other nine foreign operations, including the United States. The convenience-oriented assortment will apparently feature many imported goods from Europe, including dairy products and cosmetics, according to Lebensmittel Zeitung.

Insiders also maintain that fruit and vegetables will be supplied by local producers, according to the report.

ALDI, which operates more than 10,000 stores in 20 countries, offers an assortment that’s more than 90% private brands.

To read the Lebensmittel Zeitung blog, click here.