Aldi has announced intentions to launch 40 additional stores in the UK within the current year. The low-cost grocery retailer plans to allocate £370 million towards establishing new outlets in various locations such as Southam in Warwickshire, Hastings in East Sussex, and Amersham in Buckinghamshire. This initiative is part of a broader £1.6 billion investment scheme spanning two years, aiming to reach a total of 1,500 Aldi stores across the UK.
Recent store openings in 2025 include locations like Kirkintilloch in East Dunbartonshire, Eastbourne in East Sussex, Fulham Broadway in London, and Deeside in Wales. Giles Hurley, the Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing high-quality and affordable groceries to all consumers. He highlighted the ongoing expansion efforts to address areas lacking Aldi stores and reiterated the company’s mission to offer accessible, quality food options nationwide.
Aldi’s consistent focus on affordability and quality was recognized by consumer groups, with the supermarket being named the UK’s most cost-effective option by Which? for the fifth consecutive year. Additionally, Aldi secured the top position in The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’ survey, reinforcing its reputation as the preferred choice for British shoppers.
To further support its workforce, Aldi announced an increase in pay rates for store employees, with hourly rates for store assistants set to rise nationally to £13.35, reaching up to £14.30 with tenure. For employees within the M25 area, the rates will be £14.71 per hour, escalating to £15.03 with service, effective from March 1, 2026.
In 2025, Aldi was recognized as the most affordable supermarket by Which? for ten out of twelve months, while Lidl held the top position twice during the year. The difference in average monthly prices between Aldi and Lidl throughout the year was minimal, at just 77p. In December, Aldi maintained its affordability, offering a list of 68 items for an average cost of £123.60, closely followed by Lidl at £123.70. Comparatively, Asda and Tesco had higher average costs for the same items in December.
Aldi’s commitment to providing value and quality to its customers remains a cornerstone of its operations, reflected in its continuous efforts to expand its store network, enhance employee benefits, and deliver cost-effective grocery options to the UK market.