Programme of stores openings will further boost the discounter’s rising share
Aldi has unveiled plans to invest a massive £1.6 billion over the course of 2026-27, with an 80-store opening programme across the UK.
The supermarket said it was “more determined than ever to meet the UK’s growing demand for affordable groceries” as more families look to balance household budgets.
A total of 21 stores are set to open in the next 13 weeks, including Shoreditch in London, Durham in the North East, and Kirkintilloch in Scotland.
The discounter, which currently has 1,060 stores, has previously announced plans to scale to 1,500 stores across the UK. It said its expansion will create thousands of jobs and more opportunities for domestic suppliers, noting that it spent £14bn with UK suppliers in 2024.
Aldi confirmed its investment plans alongside financial results for the 12 months to December 2024, which showed sales increased to £18.1bn from £17.9bn in 2023. It added that new data shows its sales have accelerated again in 2025 with growth of 4.8 per cent, taking its market share to 10.8 per cent.
The company said operating profit fell to £435.5mn from £552.9mn a year ago, citing a drive towards lower prices for customers, investment in infrastructure and increased pay for staff.
Aldi added that it is seeing greater numbers of shoppers doing their groceries at its stores, as well as increased visit frequency.
UK and Ireland CEO Giles Hurley said: “Shoppers are still finding things difficult and that’s why we’re staying laser focused on doing what Aldi does best – offering customers great quality products at unbeatable prices. Nobody else is making the same commitment to everyday low prices – no clubs, no gimmicks, no tricks – just prices our customers can trust and quality they can depend on.”
