Aldi has announced plans to open 500 new stores across the UK, potentially taking over former Wilko sites and hiring staff from the collapsed retailer. The supermarket chain, which recently opened its 1,000th store in Surrey, aims to reach 1,500 outlets in the coming years.
Giles Hurley, chief executive of Aldi UK and Ireland, confirmed the company is considering ex-Wilko locations. 'Clearly, with an ambitious target of 1,500 stores, we will look at all the opportunities. It comes down to the availability and suitability,' he told the Mirror.
The announcement comes as Wilko stores enter their final days, with shelves stripped bare and shoppers lamenting the loss. In Ashford, Kent, the Wilko branch is set to close next week after more than 20 years. Long-time customer Julia Halliday expressed her dismay: 'I have shopped there forever... It has been there for so long and everything in there is good value.'
Aldi has also called for workers affected by Wilko's collapse to apply for its 6,000 current vacancies. The chain is creating 800 jobs in new stores over the coming months, with roles ranging from store assistant to manager.
The expansion builds on a previous target of 1,200 stores by 2025. Hurley noted 'huge demand' for Aldi's low prices, adding: 'The next phase of our expansion will involve another 500 new stores over the coming years. It is a long-term target and is not a ceiling to our ambition.'
