Aldi’s expansion plans in the UK for this year include the opening of 40 new stores. The supermarket chain is set to invest £370 million in various locations such as Southam in Warwickshire, Hastings in East Sussex, and Amersham in Buckinghamshire. This initiative is part of a broader two-year investment program totaling £1.6 billion announced by Aldi last year, aiming to achieve its target of 1,500 stores in 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, Aldi UK and Ireland’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the company’s dedication to providing high-quality, affordable groceries to all consumers. He mentioned that Aldi’s expansion strategy is focused on addressing areas without Aldi stores, aligning with their long-term goal of reaching 1,500 stores across the UK.
Aldi has been recognized as the UK’s most cost-effective supermarket by Which? for the fifth consecutive year. Moreover, the supermarket also secured The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’ award seven times in a row, affirming its reputation as the best value option for British shoppers. Aldi recently announced an increase in pay rates for store staff, with national hourly rates for store assistants rising to £13.35, reaching up to £14.30 with service. Within the M25 area, rates will be £14.71 per hour, increasing to £15.03 with service, effective from March 1, 2026.
In 2025, Aldi held the title of the cheapest supermarket for ten out of 12 months, with Lidl claiming the position twice in July and October. The average monthly price difference between Aldi and Lidl throughout the year was just 77p. In December, Aldi offered the lowest prices for a list of 68 items, with an average cost of £123.60, closely followed by Lidl at £123.70. Asda’s average cost for the same items was £134.89, while Tesco Clubcard members paid £135.84, or £139.12 without a Clubcard.