Aldi has announced intentions to launch 40 new stores in the UK this year. The discount retailer plans to allocate £370 million for the opening of new locations in areas such as Southam in Warwickshire, Hastings in East Sussex, and Amersham in Buckinghamshire.
This initiative is part of a broader £1.6 billion investment program set out last year, as Aldi progresses towards its ultimate objective of establishing 1,500 stores across the UK. Notable store openings in 2025 included 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 brand’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable groceries to all customers. He highlighted the expansion plans for 2026 aimed at filling gaps in areas without an Aldi store, with the long-term goal of 1,500 stores in mind.
Aldi’s reputation as the UK’s most economical supermarket has been reinforced by consumer group Which? for the fifth consecutive year. Additionally, the supermarket recently secured the top spot in The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’ survey, affirming its status as the most cost-effective option for British shoppers for the seventh time in a row.
In a bid to further support its workforce, Aldi announced an increase in its pay rates for store colleagues, with national rates for store assistants rising to £13.35 per hour, reaching up to £14.30 with service. For employees within the M25 area, rates will be £14.71 per hour, escalating to £15.03 with service, effective from March 1, 2026.
Aldi’s recognition as the cheapest supermarket in 2025 by Which? underlines its consistent affordability. The supermarket claimed the top spot in ten out of 12 months last year, with Lidl holding the title twice in July and October. The average monthly price difference between Aldi and Lidl throughout the year was a mere 77p.
In December, Aldi emerged as the most cost-effective option for a list of 68 items, averaging £123.60 for the month. Lidl followed closely behind, costing just 10p more on average at £123.70 for both Lidl Plus members and non-members. Comparatively, Asda’s average cost for the same items in December was £134.89, while Tesco Clubcard members paid £135.84, or £139.12 without a Clubcard for the items.
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