German giant Kaufland to spark ‘all-out price war’ in Australia

German retail giant Kaufland is set to arrive in Australia, and one expert believes it could bring Aldi’s biggest rival, Lidl, along with it.

The big-box retailer established an Australian website and is hiring for several management positions, including a letting manager and an architectural planner.

SmartCompany first reported on Kaufland’s potential expansion down under in November, when it revealed the company had registered trademarks for the word “Kaufland” and was conducting a “feasibility study” on entering the Australian market.

The company now states it “is coming to Australia”, and is seeking staff and locations to establish its flagship stores. It currently operates 1230 stores across Europe and employs more than 150,000 workers.

The news comes as the UK’s “undisputed king of trainers”, JD Sports, confirmed it will open a store in Melbourne on April 27 with more to follow on the east coast later this year.

Kaufland says on its website it is seeking plots of land with a minimum size of 10,000sqm, and a preferred size between 20,000sqm and 15,000sqm.

“Kaufland has an ambitious Australian investment and development programme.

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