Aldi to move into South Australia DISCOUNT supermarket chain Aldi plans to open 40 to 50 stores in South Australia, with the state government hailing the move as a major boost to the local economy. Aldi said on Tuesday it was committed to expand into SA, but admitted it would take a number of years for it to secure a warehouse site and sufficient store locations. "The benefits associated with Aldi's decision to enter into the South Australian market will be substantial, with hundreds of millions in capital investment, over 900 new permanent jobs and a final rollout of 40 to 50 stores across the state," group managing director Tom Daunt said in a statement. Premier Jay Weatherill said Aldi's decision was a vote of confidence in the strength of the South Australian economy. But independent Senator Nick Xenophon said the entry of the German supermarket giant into SA could ultimately lead to less choice and service for consumers, with independent operators squeezed out of the market. He said with the size and buying power of Aldi would result in a "race to the bottom" with Coles and Woolworths that could ultimately hurt consumers.