Aldi pledges record £1.3 billion investment in UK
Aldi has committed to investing a record £1.3 billion in its UK business over the next two years.
This will include the opening of around 100 new stores, the upgrading of 100 stores and the launch of new and expanded distribution centres. In addition, the retailer will be rolling out a number of new programmes like its ‘click and collect’ service which was successfully piloted and launched to customers last week.
The plans are expected to create a further 4,000 new jobs next year to add to the 3,000 roles already created in 2020.
Having celebrated its 30th anniversary in the UK last year, Aldi grew its UK and Ireland sales by 8.3% to a record £12.3 billion in 2019. It also improved its margins after efficiencies of scale offset continued investment in prices.
Aldi is aiming to have 1,200 open in the UK by 2025.
Giles Hurley, chief executive of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “For over 30 years, our success has been driven by the ever-increasing number of shoppers who put their trust in Aldi every time they shop with us. This is what enables us to keep investing in Britain – in our products, our prices, our people and in the communities we serve.
“The founding principle of our UK business back in 1990 was to offer a carefully-selected range of great quality products at the lowest prices. Whilst we’re continuing to innovate to give customers an even better experience and greater convenience, our core philosophy remains unchanged.
“With the UK’s economic outlook increasingly uncertain, families are more concerned about their grocery bills than ever. We’ve seen before that our customers need us most in times of financial hardship, which is why our commitment to remain Britain’s lowest-priced supermarket is more important than ever.”
