Aldi is trialling earlier closing times at selected UK stores as the discounter looks for new ways to keep costs down. According to Grocery Gazette, some Aldi stores will now close at 9pm rather than 10pm, with customer feedback being reviewed before the supermarket makes any further decisions on a broader UK rollout.
Which Stores Are Affected?
A full list of Aldi locations has not been revealed, however it is understood that some stores have already rolled out the new opening hours. Further stores will follow through with the same changes this month, with notices displayed in impacted stores so customers are aware of the updated hours. For example, in Derbyshire, the Aldi supermarket in Heanor will now close at 9pm instead of 10pm from July 13, Monday to Saturday. There are no changes to Sunday trading hours. In the West Midlands, another Aldi grocery is also understood to be moving to an earlier 9pm closing time from July 16.
Impact on Customers and Business
Customers expected to feel the greatest impact of earlier closing times will be those who typically do their food shop later in the evening after work or childcare commitments. While most Aldi stores currently close at 10pm in the UK, roughly 48 out of its 1,084 supermarkets already shut at the earlier time of 9pm. An Aldi spokesperson 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.”
Financial Context
The German discount supermarket's latest financial results show turnover climbed to £18.1 billion in the year to December 2024, while the supermarket's share of the grocery market rose to 10.8%. However, despite the increase in sales, operating profits dropped from £552.9 million to £435.5 million. Aldi said the decline was driven by price cuts, investment in its infrastructure and higher staff wages. Despite this, Aldi is forging onward with ambitious expansion plans, announcing last year that it will fork out £1.6 billion in the next two years to launch 80 new stores during 2026 and 2027, as well as working to improve existing locations and expand its distribution network.
