The discount retailer, which now has more than 1,000 stores in the UK, has spent almost £600 million on store improvements since 2017 and said that phase one of this latest round of updates has nearly been completed.
The initial phase has focused on creating a better shopping experience for customers by adding more space for fresh, chilled and food-to-go ranges, alongside simpler layouts, improved fixtures and energy efficient LED lighting.
Once completed, Aldi will move ahead with the next stage of its store enhancement programme, which will involve improvement work on existing in-store features such as the bakery, health and beauty fixtures.
Stores will also be given CO2 refrigeration upgrades, which Aldi said will lead to an estimated reduction in carbon emissions equivalent to heating over 6,500 homes once completed.
The announcement coincides with the news that Aldi is raising its minimum hourly rate from £12.40 (£13.65 in London) to £12.75 (£14.05 in London) from 1 March.
Hourly rates will rise again from September to £12.85 or £14.16 in London.
‘Major step forward’
Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, commented: “Aldi’s £67m investment is a major step forward in our commitment to delivering an even better shopping experience for our customers across Britain.
“Building on the success of our previous upgrades, we’re enhancing store layouts as part of our dedication to providing customers with more sustainable stores, convenience and an improved shopping experience nationwide.”
Meanwhile, Aldi announced earlier this month that it was creating 1,600 new roles across its estate of stores. Throughout this year, the retailer is recruiting new store managers, assistant store managers, deputy store managers, store assistants and cleaners.
It is also investing approximately £650 million in new store openings across Britain in 2025, with locations including Fulham Broadway in London, Billericay in Essex and Cheadle in Stoke-on-Trent.
‘Strong strategic move’
In response to the news, Kirk Brazier, growth director at ESA Retail, told Food Manufacture that the focus on expanding its bakery, health and beauty fixtures would position Aldi competitively against its rivals.
“Aldi’s £67m investment is a strong strategic move to reinforce its commitment to growth and customer demand," he said.
“At ESA Retail, we help a number of retailers measure and enhance their customer experience – Aldi’s enhancement of its in-store bakery selection is catering to the growing consumer appetite for fresh, high-quality goods at affordable prices – an area where premium supermarkets have traditionally led and will help drive that increasingly important in store experience forward."
He continued: “The same can be said for the investment for their health and beauty range. Aldi continues to challenge mainstream retailers by offering high-quality alternatives to branded products at a fraction of the price. This investment will help strengthen its reputation as a go-to destination for budget-conscious shoppers who are seeking quality self-care products – a key move in driving their brand strength and customer loyalty.”
