Dorothy

Aldi is the cause of all business failure in Australia apparently The local IGA (10-20% higher prices on most goods than the other local supermarkets) closed last month citing Aldi as the reason. Of course it had nothing to do with the brand new Woolworths or the new Coles that both opened within 1km or the extortionate prices IGA charged.

GarryP

There's talk of Lidl also starting up in Australia, which would open up real competition with Aldi and put downward pressure on prices. IGA are on borrowed time. Their stores are generally empty, and not local enough to really be 'local'. They'll need to totally change their model if they are to have a chance - but such revolution in australia is unlikely (they generally just whinge, like Dick).

Beoz

Bring on competition. IGA are super expensive. If Coles or Woolies became really serious about opening up small high street supermarkets IGA would be toast.

ozzieeagle

Dick Smith is one of those blokes who started off having a well deserved great reputation that went right down the gurgler as he got older and opened his mouth more. He should have stuck to being a helicopter flying philanthropist. Possibly suffering from a slow creeping kind of dementia.

As for IGA, they seem to do well in these parts, they specialise in hard to get an overseas product that is suited for the local clientele, which is probably a totally different business model to what most of you are seeing. People specifically go to different IGA's around these parts to buy certain types of goods that you cant get in other places. They are also usually situated in amongst groups of high rise developments within walking distance of peoples everyday needs. So I wouldn't right them off yet. Maybe their suburban model is up the kyber, their inner urban model is filling a void for sure. They seem very popular amongst the Hipster types and well heeled ethnic groups after that specific brand of Pasta, Anchovies or Cypriot Olive Oil.

Amazulu

I can't stand Dick Smith - he made millions out of a capitalist society yet wants socialism for the rest of us. His electronics business sold heaps of imported stuff and I'm sure he crushed, took over and broke plenty of competitors - this is a facet of capitalism after all. His Australiacentric ideas are insular and ridiculous

To blame Aldi for the failure of his food business is pathetic. It failed because nobody was buying his products. Why buy Ozemite when Vegemite is readily available cheaper (or even the same price)? I tried his strawberry jam once, it was disgusting. Plenty of Australian brands and companies compete with Colesworth and Aldi. Look at Spudshed in WA. Owned by a local potato farmer it is going from strength to strength. They have, I think, 8 stores in the metro areas with more planned. They sell mainly local produce at realistic prices, open 24/7 and pay their staff well. A friend of ours knows someone who supplies Colesworth and Aldi. He's very happy with his contract with Aldi, yet Colesworth are constantly trying to do him over. Maybe Smith should have tried to become an Aldi supplier instead of whinging

He's a wanker

ozzieeagle

In reference to IGA..... Just found out they've been nicknamed Yuppiemarts around these parts.

Here's come reviews. The locals love it.

IGA

Amazulu

Despite Kalamunda having Colesworth and Aldi, the local IGA always seems to be busy. I guess customer loyalty is in action here - I don't understand why but there it is. Saying that, their deli is pretty good

commonwealth

Beoz

Fitzroy is like farm land. Bring it on.

https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/throw-open-the-borders-why-double-immigration-will-save-australias-choking-cities/news-story/4ebea6170aa31db651c2335fc80c75b6

the troubadour

Yep lets race towards creating a South Seas Hong Kong in Sydney. Why stop at ten million? Twenty million would begin to add vibrancy especially if acreage maximised to allow the building of living capsules, I mean flats are an unnecessary waste of space, all folk will need is a fold up bed to sleep in, they'll be too busy working to pay to sustain themselves in nourishment in order to meet impossible financial obligations to care much about other amenities. Brave New World awaits Sh.tney, sure you can't wait either.

Beoz

See. You have no idea how a blend of housing types can contribute to the diversity of its inhabitants. Take New York as an example. Find a free standing house in Manhattan. Its virtually impossible. But a mere 30 minutes from Grand Central in Bronxville, Yonkers, Mt Vernon you have some lovely free standing neighborhoods.

I guess if an Australian house and land package in a dull place like Perth is what you long for, then that's your decision.

the troubadour

Difference being to Manhattan, and most anywhere else for that matter , remains in quality builds not quantity. Sydney is a speculators feast, purely to maximise money over quality in too ,many cases. Besides over loading people as part of economic policy is never going to end well.
Thing being of course is Sydney is not exciting. Very poor night life for a city its size, making Perth overall a better decision all things combined in consideration to what most family demographics seek. Except more affordable housing, especially if prepared to live a bit further out, less crowded beaches, something you seem to consider important, better overall weather, although a bit extreme for a few summer months, rather ideal for toddlers until teenage years, then it hardly matters which city, as drug issues, boredom and teenage angst as plentiful in either city.

Beoz

Where have you tried to find nightlife on your 1 or 2 visits to Sydney? What type of nightlife do you strive for?

If that's your argument, the answer to the above should be very telling.

Anyhow, how did population growth turn into your Sydney fantasyland again?

the troubadour

Condo spruiking on the nose, I guess. Sydney, just a mediocre city, overstating itself. Punters are realising more value elsewhere. Home by nine not necessary suits everybody. But rock on attempting to justify it.

Beoz

You couldn't answer the questions. Says it all really. Troll Troubadour