As a step into Victoria, German supermarket giant Kaufland will set up a distribution center in the northern part of Melbourne to create 1,600 jobs. On Friday, the retailer announced an initial investment of A$459 million to open a Victorian store. Three stores in Dandenong, Chirnside Park and Epping have been approved. Nearly six of Melbourne’s cricket pitches will be built in Mickleham, and Coughrand will focus on opening stores across the country in the next few years.
Also ready to open stores in Oakleigh South, Coolaroo and Mornington, pending approval. Coffrand, who was helped by the state government to open a store in Victoria, said they were in contact with local suppliers and tried to source locally. Tim Pallas, director of economic development, said that the arrival of Coughrand showed confidence in the Victorian economy. Construction of the Mickleham Distribution Center is also expected to bring jobs to local builders, workers and craftspeople Coughrand employs 150,000 people in more than 1,230 stores in Europe. This is followed by Costco, Aldi, Uniqlo, H&M and MUJI as another global retailer that chooses Victoria as an entry point into Australia.