Bargain hunters: Portarlington’s Rebecca Fielding and daughter Summer, 6, were among ALDI’s first customers at Drysdale on Wednesday morning. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 75795
MICHELLE HERBISON
BIG supermarket chains can expect a “kick in the bum” on the Bellarine Peninsula after the opening of its first ALDI store, according to shoppers.
ALDI Drysdale opened on Wednesday amid residents’ expectations of the cut-price chain forcing down grocery prices on the peninsula.
The store is the first ALDI on the peninsula and fifth in the Geelong region, joining outlets at Belmont, Newcomb, Grovedale and Corio.
Clifton Springs’ Brian Knights said he hoped ALDI’s presence in Drysdale would “give the opposition a kick in the bum”.
Many residents thought Drysdale’s Safeway was overpriced, he said.
“I think they’ve had it their own way for far too long. Some competition will make them lift their game.”
Portarlington’s Ray Meaney thought most Portarlington residents would now travel to Drysdale for cheaper groceries.
“You’ve got no idea how many people are excited about it. Our supermarket in Portarlington is fairly steep in price and ALDI’s prices are so much cheaper.
“I’d like to shop locally and keep these people afloat but there comes a limit to what you can do.”
St Leonards’ Nanette Pearson said she would now buy “98 per cent” of her groceries at ALDI Drysdale.
“We’ve been counting the days since we first heard ALDI was going to open in Drysdale. The prices are a lot cheaper and the quality is fantastic.
“As a pensioner I have to count every cent. These big stores have had it their own way for too long, whacking the prices any way they want.”
An ALDI spokesperson said a 2008 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission grocery inquiry confirmed ALDI had “positively influenced” pricing.
“Major supermarket chains have reduced their prices in localities where ALDI is present,” the spokesperson said.
“ALDI customers in the Geelong region have responded well to the ALDI stores and we’re positive Drysdale customers will enjoy ALDI’s smarter shopping experience.
“On top of ALDI’s core range, special buys can include televisions, washing machines, barbecues and more.”
ALDI plans to open stores in Geelong West and Highton this year.
A Woolworths spokesperson said the chain welcomed the competition.
Woolworths was confident about its pricing, the spokesperson said.
“Woolworths continues to focus on convenience, value, range and overall price competitiveness with the continuation of our price-cut campaign.”
