Smaller format store helps retail giant keep pace with convenience trend

Aldi Australia has brought its small trading format, Aldi Corner Store, to Melbourne.

Located on Swanston Street, in the heart of the city’s CBD, the store opened on Thursday (8 April).

It follows the launch of the Aldi Corner Store format in North Sydney last year. 

Designed by Landini Associates, the store reflects Aldi Australia’s desire to expand its presence in high-density, urban areas.

“The brief to Landini was to interpret the traditional Aldi model into a new format that is genuinely local, uniquely different, but recognisably Aldi,” according to a release from Landini Associates.

“The layout of Aldi Corner Store is driven by the need to refurbish existing buildings rather than constructing new properties — an approach aligned to the needs of a local, largely walk-in customer base.”

Grocery and fresh produce remain the core offering in the Melbourne store. This is complemented by a range of ready-to-go meals and convenience-based products, from sushi to sandwiches, along with take-away coffee and an artisanal bakery offering from Grain+Stone. 

Huw Longman, director of Aldi Corner Store, said the retail giant was conscious of keeping pace with evolving retail habits.

“We are seeing a large audience of people who prefer shopping more frequently with a hyper-focus on convenience,”Longman explained.

“The Aldi Corner Store is designed purposefully to meet these needs, taking convenience and creativity and combining it with the kind of quality and savings that only Aldi can offer. It’s a curated experience for inner-city Melburnians that puts convenience at the centre alongside Aldi’s renowned value.”

Read more about Aldi Corner Store in the upcoming Summer edition of Produce Plus Magazine.