German discount grocer ALDI Einkauf GmbH & Co. oHG is looking to expand its store network to China, Retail Detail reported March 9, citing a report in the German-language newspaper Lebensmittel Zeitung.
Aldi intends to set up the stores in the Shanghai region, along with a distribution center, according to the report, with an aim to have 50 stores in operation within a few years.
As part of the expansion plan, the company reportedly wants to hire Chinese managers who have experience working for European retailers.
The retailer has an online presence in China with a store on Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.'s Tmall e-commerce platform, which sells private-label items sourced from Aldi's Australian operations.
