ALDI ‘eyes Torquay’

ERIN PEARSON
DISCOUNT supermarket chain ALDI is considering Torquay for a new store, a spokesperson has revealed to the Independent.
“We’re looking at several areas of Geelong and Torquay is one of those,” a spokesperson said.
ALDI has stores across Geelong at Corio, Belmont, Grovedale and Newcomb.
Three other ALDIs have been approved for construction at Geelong West, Highton and Drysdale.
Ice cream retailer Cold Rock also plans a store in Torquay.
The company said it hoped to open by summer.
The chain’s Melbourne-based owner, Franchised Food Company (FFCo), said it was seeking a Torquay operator as part of plans for 10 new Victorian stores in the next 18 months.
FFCo managing director Stan Gordon said the company had identified Torquay as having “strong business potential”.
“We’d love to bring this exciting and unique ice cream chain to the township,” Mr Gordon said.
“Some of our regional stores are among the best performing outlets nationally, which has prompted us to further develop these markets.”
Mr Gordon said Cold Rock would stay open year-round in Torquay. The chain was also interested in Ocean Grove, he said.
“We have had strong enquiries from potential regional franchisees and believe there’s plenty of demand to meet the expansion.
“We have the sites ready to go in many of our targeted regions – we just need the right people.”
Torquay Commerce and Tourism Association president Martin Duke said both stores would be welcome in the town’s central business district.
“The stores’ opening sits fine as long as they maintain presence within the current retail structure in town. We don’t want to see a greenfield site set up,” Mr Duke said.
“We have Torquay central with lots of empty space. Cold Rock and the like would be beautiful up here to help the centre along.”