Aldi is trialling a major change to its opening hours, with some stores closing an hour earlier at 9pm instead of the usual 10pm. The move is part of a new trial that has already been introduced in certain locations, with other stores expected to follow later this month.
Earlier Closing Time for Select Stores
The budget supermarket has not disclosed which specific stores are affected, but signs are being placed in shops to inform customers, according to The Sun. One employee at the Heanor store in Derbyshire posted on Facebook: “Please be aware that as of Monday 13th July, Aldi Heanor will be closing at 9pm instead of 10pm Monday-Saturday with no change on a Sunday, this will be on a trial basis to begin with but will likely be the new permanent opening hours thereafter.” Another worker reportedly stated that their branch in the West Midlands would close at 9pm from July 16.
Impact and Expansion Plans
Aldi currently operates 1,084 stores across the UK, with around 48 already closing at 9pm. The supermarket has a long-term goal of reaching 1,500 stores nationwide. In a statement, Aldi said: “As the UK’s cheapest supermarket, our commitment to customers is that they will always pay the lowest possible prices every time they shop with us. Our efficient business model means that we are always looking for new ways to pass on even greater savings to Aldi shoppers.”
New Store Openings and Investments
The trial coincides with Aldi’s announcement of 16 new store openings over the coming months, including locations in Watford, Hoxton (London), Hattersley (Greater Manchester), and Balsall Common (West Midlands). The full list includes: Hattersley, Newport (Isle of Wight), Bishops Cleeve (Cheltenham), Newport (South Wales), Orpington, Hoxton, Ashford (Kent), Watford, Rayleigh (Essex), Balsall Common, Marble Arch (London), Malton (North Yorkshire), Port Talbot (Wales), Sutton Coldfield (West London), Wigan (Greater Manchester), and Sudbury (Suffolk).
Store Upgrades and £370 Million Commitment
Additionally, Aldi will upgrade 25 existing stores, introducing more shopping space and sustainable features like energy-efficient fridge doors. Upgrades to bakery, health and beauty, and fresh food areas will vary by location, with improvements planned in Liverpool, London, Aberdeen, Nottingham, and Manchester. Stores in York, Liverpool, and Yarm will undergo extensions for wider aisles. These improvements are part of a £300 million investment in existing stores, alongside a £370 million commitment to new store openings across the UK.
