Aldi has announced intentions to launch 40 new stores in the UK this year. The discount retailer plans to allocate £370 million for the establishment of new outlets in various locations, including Southam in Warwickshire, Hastings in East Sussex, and Amersham in Buckinghamshire. This initiative is part of a broader two-year investment strategy totaling £1.6 billion, as Aldi aims to reach its target of 1,500 stores across the UK.
Among the recently opened stores in 2025 are Kirkintilloch in East Dunbartonshire, Eastbourne in East Sussex, Fulham Broadway in London, and Deeside in Wales. Giles Hurley, the Chief Executive Officer at Aldi UK and Ireland, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable groceries to all customers, noting the ongoing expansion plans for 2026 to bridge gaps in areas without Aldi stores.
Aldi’s dedication to offering affordable food to all consumers has earned it recognition as the UK’s most economical supermarket for the fifth consecutive year by consumer group Which?. Additionally, Aldi secured the top spot in The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’ survey for the seventh time, highlighting its reputation as the preferred choice for British shoppers in terms of value.
Moreover, Aldi recently announced an increase in pay rates for store employees, with hourly rates for store assistants rising to £13.35 nationally and up to £14.30 based on length of service. For employees within the M25 region, hourly rates will range from £14.71 to £15.03 as of March 1, 2026. This pay adjustment follows Aldi’s recognition as the cheapest supermarket in 2025 by Which? magazine, maintaining its affordability throughout the year.
In December, Aldi continued its streak as the most cost-effective supermarket, with a shopping list of 68 items averaging £123.60 for the month. Lidl closely followed, with an average cost of £123.70 in December for both Lidl Plus members and non-members. Comparatively, Asda’s average cost for the same items was £134.89, while Tesco Clubcard members paid £135.84 or £139.12 without a Clubcard.
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