Aldi has announced intentions to launch 40 new stores in the United Kingdom within this year. The budget-friendly supermarket plans to invest £370 million in opening new locations, including Southam in Warwickshire, Hastings in East Sussex, and Amersham in Buckinghamshire. This initiative is part of a broader £1.6 billion two-year investment scheme revealed last year as Aldi progresses towards its goal of establishing 1,500 stores across the UK.
Recently opened stores in 2025 include 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 consumers. The expansion plans for 2026 aim to fill gaps in areas lacking an Aldi store, aligning with the long-term objective of reaching 1,500 stores in the UK.
Aldi has been recognized as the UK’s most cost-effective supermarket for the fifth consecutive year by consumer group Which?. Additionally, Aldi secured The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’ award for the seventh time, confirming its reputation as the ultimate value destination for British shoppers. The supermarket announced an increase in pay rates for store staff, with hourly rates rising nationally to £13.35 and up to £14.30 with experience, effective from March 1, 2026.
Acknowledged as the cheapest supermarket in 2025 by Which?consumer rights magazine, Aldi maintained its position as the most affordable choice throughout most of the year. Lidl held the title twice in July and October. The average price difference between Aldi and Lidl for the entire year was a mere 77p. In December, Aldi offered the lowest prices for a list of 68 items, averaging £123.60 for the month. Lidl followed closely, costing just 10p more at £123.70 for both members and non-members of Lidl Plus. Asda and Tesco had higher average costs for the same items in December, demonstrating Aldi’s continued commitment to offering value for its customers.