Italy: Aldi prepares to enter market

German discount retailer Aldi is taking further steps towards enter the Italian market with the creation of a company to manage property for its planned stores the country, according to trade reports.

News of the launch of Aldi Immobiliare Srl follows reports in 2015 that the company was looking to establish a presence in the Italian market.

The headquarters for the Italian push is said to be the northern city of Verona. Across Italy, the retailer is reportedly planning to open around 520 stores, targeting towns and cities with more than 30,000 inhabitants.

According to sources, Aldi will be faced with strong competition in the Italian discount sector, mainly from Eurospin (which has 32% market share), Lidl (with 18% share and more than 600 stores) and MD.

Aldi’s first Italian store is expected to open in Trento this summer, followed by stores in Verona and Bolzano.

Source: Retail Detail / Reuters / ESM