Kaufland a real worry for rivals

THE supermarket industry is on the cusp of a brand-new wave of competition set to threaten Coles and Woolworths, according to research from IBISWorld.

It says Aldi’s success has been surprising, but is limited, however, the entry of fellow German retail giant Kaufland will ruffle the feathers.

“Kaufland’s ‘hypermarkets’ are expected to offer more than double the product range of the traditional supermarkets, and offer not only groceries, but traditional department-store products,” industry analyst Andrew Ledovskikh says.

“This will mean Kaufland will not only compete on price, but also in terms of convenience.”

Kaufland has not announced any Queensland locations but is believed to be in a deal to buy a former Bunnings site on the Gold Coast.