ALDI’s Athy Co. Kildare “Project Fresh” store has reopened its doors to customers today following an extensive renovation project worth almost €1M, which has seen the store interior completely refurbished.
Athy is the first store to feature a trial of ALDI’s new Project Fresh Enhanced layout. The Athy store now offers a wide selection of fresh food at the front of the store, hi-spec fixtures and fittings throughout the store and new product category signage that provides an effortless shopping experience. The customer-focused layout allows for the products customers know and love to be found more easily, whilst browsing new ranges.
The revamp will, for the first time, see exciting new units such as a fresh herb stand, a dedicated bread and cake fixture, and a Health and Beauty feature installed in-store.
ALDI has invested heavily in improving its energy management systems and its entire store network is now powered by 100% wind generated energy. The retailer has achieved ISO 50001 accreditation in recognition of its efforts to improve energy efficiencies. The renovated Athy store has also received a CO2 upgrade, meaning there will be a more environmentally friendly refrigerant in store.
ALDI’s Athy store is deeply rooted in the local community and participates in ALDI’s national partnership with FoodCloud, donating surplus food to local charities on a daily basis. The store has donated over 56,000 meals to its charity partners to date. ALDI’s Athy store is also part of ALDI’s Community Grants network, with Irish Wheelchair Association, Lilywhite Wheelers Multi-Sport Junior Club and Samaritans Newbridge all availing of the €500 bursary in recent years.
Operating 9 stores across County Kildare, along with its National Buying head office and one of two Regional Distribution Centre’s, ALDI has become an established part of the Kildare retail landscape. ALDI has proved very popular with shoppers for bringing greater competition, choice, and value for money. ALDI employs over 600 permanent staff members in Kildare, spending €30M on wages annually.
Speaking at the reopening, Iwona Szawarejko, Athy Store Manager said: “The Project Fresh revamp of our store is fantastic news for our local customers. The new spacious design makes for a very enjoyable shop and customers can easily find everything they need.”
“Our promise to our Kildare customers is that we will never be beaten on price, and we will always provide the best value. In this current environment, it is more important than ever that customers can always avail of great value products at unbeatable prices here in ALDI.”
ALDI is committed to supporting its Irish supply base and increasing the number of Irish products available in its stores. ALDI currently works with 330 Irish suppliers and has invested more than €8M in its Grow with ALDI supplier development programme since 2018, which offers up-and-coming artisan Irish food and drink producers the chance to have their products listed in ALDI’s 156 stores.
