Aldi has unveiled ambitious plans to significantly expand its UK footprint in 2026, with the budget supermarket chain set to open 40 new stores across the country. This aggressive expansion forms a key part of the retailer's broader strategic vision to enhance accessibility to affordable, high-quality groceries for consumers nationwide.
Substantial Investment and Strategic Locations
The supermarket giant is committing a substantial £370 million investment this year alone to establish new stores in various locations. Confirmed sites include Southam in Warwickshire, Hastings in East Sussex, and Amersham in Buckinghamshire, among others. This initiative is not an isolated effort but rather a component of a comprehensive £1.6 billion two-year investment programme that was announced previously, underscoring Aldi's long-term commitment to growth in the UK market.
Driving Towards a Long-Term Goal
Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer at Aldi UK and Ireland, emphasised the company's mission, stating: "Our unwavering commitment is to make high-quality, affordable groceries accessible to everybody. We recognise that there are still areas without an Aldi store, so our expansion plans for 2026 are designed to address some of these gaps." This expansion is strategically aligned with Aldi's ambitious long-term objective of operating 1,500 stores throughout the United Kingdom, building on recent openings in 2025 such as Kirkintilloch, Eastbourne, Fulham Broadway, and Deeside.
Reinforcing Market Leadership and Value Proposition
Aldi's expansion coincides with its continued recognition as a leader in value within the UK grocery sector. The retailer has been named the UK's cheapest supermarket by the consumer group Which? for an impressive fifth consecutive year. Furthermore, Aldi recently secured The Grocer's 'Super Grocer 33' title for the seventh time in a row, a survey that compares grocery prices across major supermarkets, solidifying its reputation for offering exceptional value to British shoppers.
Commitment to Employees and Competitive Pricing
In addition to store expansion, Aldi is demonstrating its commitment to its workforce by enhancing pay rates. From March 1, 2026, store assistant rates will increase to £13.35 per hour nationally, rising to £14.30 with service. For employees within the M25, rates will be £14.71 per hour, increasing to £15.03 with service. This move highlights Aldi's investment in its staff as part of its growth strategy.
The supermarket's pricing advantage remains a cornerstone of its appeal. In 2025, Aldi was the cheapest supermarket in ten out of twelve months, with Lidl claiming the top spot twice. The average monthly price difference between the two retailers was a mere 77p over the year. For instance, in December 2025, a basket of 68 items cost £123.60 on average at Aldi, compared to £123.70 at Lidl, £134.89 at Asda, and £135.84 for Tesco Clubcard members.
This expansion and ongoing investment underscore Aldi's robust position in the competitive UK grocery market, as it continues to pursue its goal of making affordable, quality food accessible to all consumers across the nation.
