Overview
- Regional outlets reported between July 30 and August 1 that Aldi has publicly identified priority areas in the North East, Hertfordshire, Hampshire and Berkshire as part of its site search.
- The expansion is backed by a confirmed investment of over £370 million for new stores this year as Aldi works toward a long‑term target of operating 1,500 UK locations.
- Aldi is in a site‑identification and acquisition phase rather than announcing confirmed store openings, and it is asking landowners and agents to email realestateacquisitions@aldi.co.uk with proposals.
- The company frames the programme as a jobs boost and highlights pay rates for store assistants starting at £13.50 per hour nationally and £14.88 inside the M25.
- New stores will still need planning approvals and construction, a process that can take months, so the priority towns signal interest and potential local competition and increased access to low‑cost groceries rather than guaranteed immediate openings.