In its annual trading update, Aldi reported a remarkable surge in customer numbers over the past year. A new generation of savvy shoppers are gravitating towards Aldi, causing a shift away from traditional, full-priced supermarkets. This has enabled Aldi, Britain’s fourth largest supermarket, to further solidify its position in the market. The company recently celebrated the opening of its 1,000th store, and remains steadfast in its long-term goal of 1,500 stores in the UK. In order to achieve this objective, Aldi is actively seeking new locations across the country.
Aldi has identified several priority locations for potential store sites. These include London, with a focus on Kensington and Hackney, as well as the South West, specifically Penzance and Bath. In the South East, Aldi is eyeing Maidenhead and Worthing, while in the North West, Warrington and Bramhall are among the targeted areas. In the North East, Newcastle Upon Tyne and South Shields stand out as potential locations. In the East Midlands, Aldi is considering Nottingham and Derby, while in the West Midlands, Birmingham and Warwick are on the radar. The East of England presents opportunities in Cambridge and Brentwood, while the Yorkshire and Humber region could benefit from stores in Harrogate and York. In Wales, Aldi is looking at Cardiff and Chepstow, and in Scotland, Clarkston and Cathcart are part of their plans.
Aldi is actively searching for freehold town-centre, edge-of-centre, and retail park sites that are suitable for property development. The desired site should have enough space to accommodate a 20,000 sq foot store and around 100 parking spaces. An ideal location would be situated near a main road, providing good visibility and easy access.
In addition to securing new store locations, Aldi is also investing in the development of new and expanded distribution centers. One example is the recently established distribution center in Leicestershire. These facilities will further support Aldi’s growth strategy and ensure efficient supply chain operations.
Richard Thornton, Aldi UK’s communications director, expressed the company’s commitment to making their value-for-money offerings accessible to all. In pursuit of this objective, more stores are required, particularly in areas with no existing Aldi stores. The areas highlighted in Aldi’s latest search list have been identified as places with high demand for stores. The company remains dedicated to investing in these areas, working tirelessly to bring their quality products and unbeatable prices to as many people as possible.
