The German-owned discount supermarket chain Aldi has announced ambitious expansion plans for the UK market, revealing it will open 40 new stores this year backed by a substantial £370 million investment. This significant move forms part of the retailer's broader strategy to fill geographical "gaps" in its coverage across Britain.
A Strategic Expansion to Reach More Shoppers
Aldi, which currently operates approximately 1,060 stores and holds the position of Britain's fourth largest grocery chain, stated its intention to address areas where consumers currently lack access to its stores. The company's leadership emphasised that this expansion is designed to bring affordable, high-quality food options to more communities nationwide.
Part of a Broader Two-Year Investment Programme
This year's £370 million investment represents a substantial portion of Aldi's previously announced £1.6 billion two-year expansion programme, which was first revealed in September. The comprehensive programme aims to deliver 80 new stores over the two-year period, with this year's 40 openings marking the first major phase of that initiative.
Looking further ahead, Aldi has established an ambitious long-term goal of operating 1,500 stores across the United Kingdom, indicating that this year's expansion represents just one step in a sustained growth strategy.
Targeted Locations for New Stores
The new stores planned for 2026 will be strategically located in various regions currently underserved by Aldi's presence. Confirmed locations include:
- Southam in Warwickshire
- Hastings in East Sussex
- Amersham in Buckinghamshire
This follows a successful series of openings in 2025, which included stores in Eastbourne (East Sussex), Fulham Broadway in London, and Deeside in Wales, demonstrating the company's commitment to expanding its footprint across diverse geographical areas.
Leadership Perspective on Expansion Goals
Giles Hurley, Chief Executive of Aldi UK and Ireland, commented on the strategic rationale behind the expansion plans. "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," he stated.
Hurley further elaborated on the company's underlying philosophy, saying, "We've always believed that access to high-quality affordable food is a right, not a privilege, and that's why it's our mission to make this a reality for customers up and down the UK."
Recent Performance Context
The expansion announcement comes as Aldi reports strong recent trading performance. The retailer recently revealed it achieved £1.65 billion in sales during December alone, benefiting from robust demand for British-sourced meat and vegetables alongside festive favourites such as sparkling wine.
While sales increased by 3% over the four weeks leading up to Christmas Eve, this growth rate represented a slight moderation compared to the previous festive season, indicating both continued consumer demand and evolving market dynamics.
Aldi's substantial investment in physical store expansion reflects confidence in the UK grocery market and the ongoing appeal of discount retailing amid economic pressures affecting household budgets. The planned openings will create numerous employment opportunities while increasing competition in the supermarket sector, potentially benefiting consumers through greater choice and competitive pricing.
