Aldi's new Corner Store Concept
Aldi has opened its first ever Corner Store format at 99 Mount St Sydney, heralding a new chapter for the discount grocery retailer and bringing its offerings in line with other competitors smaller format stores.
Designed by Landini Associates, the focus of Aldi Corner store is on local and adapts Aldi's large format naming, identity, interiors and in-store graphic communications (environmental, signage, wayfinding, tone of voice and uniforms) to a smaller, more localised offering.
With its emphasis on urban locations, the layout of Aldi's Corner Store. The brand's iconic 'Special Buys' are also present within the Corner Store offer.
The North Sydney store is built on the foundations of 100% renewable electricity across its business operations and a commitment to send zero waste to landfill by 2025.
Rather than featuring neighbourhood photographs or signs declaring the location, each site will be designed to celebrate its community through strategic local art partnerships. Artist collaborations to create unique artworks that celebrate each store’s surrounding neighbourhood are designed to "honour differences while embracing operational affinities and create an overall atmosphere that is consistent with the Aldi brand,” according to Landini Associates Creative Director, Mark Landini.
“We wanted to create a solution that is both a design signature and memorably Aldi, but also something truly different. We have ensured that each Aldi Corner Store will be recognisable and distinct, both in the design parameters and in this first store by commissioning a unique artwork," Mr Landini said.
The debut Aldi Corner Store at North Sydney uses the work of Sydney artist, Mulga, who was commissioned to decorate both the interior and façade of the site. Mulga’s work at the store references familiar activities for the North Sydney neighborhood, with key elements including the red Banksia plant, native to North Sydney, along with wavy blue lines referencing the area’s proximity to the harbor. Bright and colourful lines represent the neighbourhood's urban centre feel, nightlife and youthful vibe, as well as the iconic Luna Park amusement park, while Mulga’s use of cloud motifs reflects North Sydney’s commercial life.
To generate a consistent brand atmosphere and customer experience, each Aldi Corner Store will feature a material palette of pale brick, white tiles and blockwork, terrazzo and black and galvanized steel mesh, timber palettes, oak and walnut, which is all sustainable. These materials combine with retail graphics that create a consistent appeal in everything from naming and messaging to store signage and navigation, including category and subcategory checkouts, self-checkout locations, basket storage, signage on trolleys, and fashion-oriented staff uniforms.
“This venue raises the bar for what local shopping should be – it’s truly a new standard. We’re excited to see and hear the local reaction for every new Aldi Corner Store," said Mr Landini.
Mulga’s work for the first ALDI Corner Store is a celebration of food, people, and place. It intends to energize the store environment and “brighten up the locals’ day.” Featuring Mulga’s signature bright colours, the façade mural’s focus is on food and fresh produce, and it also references familiar activities for the North Sydney neighborhood. According to the artist, key elements include representations of a red Banksia plant, which is native to North Sydney, along with wavy blue lines referencing the area’s proximity to the harbor. Similarly, bright and colourful lines represent the energy of the neighborhood, particularly its urban centre feel, nightlife and youthful vibe, and the iconic Luna Park amusement park. Mulga’s use of cloud motifs reflects North Sydney’s commercial life: business is happening here, and people are reaching for the clouds and achieving great things.
