Kaufland Australia has confirmed two more stores for Victoria, with a further nine to be reviewed by an advisory panel.
The two new stores located at Oakleigh South and Coolaroo, take Kaufland’s approved store count in Victoria to five.
The nine proposed sites, to be reviewed by an independent panel, include both metropolitan and regional cities, throughout western and eastern Victoria.
In March, the retailer confirmed its first three Victorian stores at Dandenong, Epping and Chirnside Park and last week begun construction of the first two, which will act as test stores in the Australian expansion.
Kaufland Australia managing director Julia Kern said the Dandenong store will provide increased choice, value and promote fair competition for consumers.
“Our Dandenong store marks a tremendous milestone in our development here in Australia, and we are very happy to break ground for our first store in Victoria,” Kern said in a statement on Thursday.
The German retail giant has also already commenced construction of its $255 million distribution centre in Mickleham, which will be one of the largest in Australia.
Kern made the announcement on Thursday, alongside treasurer of Victoria and minister for economic development Tim Pallas. The development brings Kaufland’s planned total investment in Victoria to over half a billion dollars, with potential for up to 2400 new jobs.
“With five approved stores, as well as the additional nine sites under review, we are committed to our long term, sustainable growth across Victoria. We look forward to creating thousands of jobs and creating opportunities for local businesses,” Kern said.
“Australia is one of the fastest growing regions in the world, and we are excited to grow with it. Our aim is to raise the bar in retail excellence and provide an uncompromising quality food shop for our customers.”
She said the retailer is focused on delivering “quality, simplicity, variety and price throughout Victoria and Australia”.
Last week the retailer announced the acquisition of its third Queensland site at Morayfield Village Retail Centre, to add to the Toowoomba and Burleigh Heads sites.
The retailer is also planning to build its first South Australian store in Prospect, an inner northern suburb of greater Adelaide.
