Aldi is set to open five new stores across the UK in the coming weeks.
The German discounter, which currently has more than 990 stores in the UK, will be opening in new locations this month including Southampton and Whittlesey. Further stores in Norwich, Castle Donington and Porthcawl will be opening in early July.
Each new store opening will create around 40 new jobs, boosting employment opportunities within local areas.
Store assistants can earn up to £11 nationally and £12.45 inside the M25, with paid breaks included – rising to £11.40 and £12.85, respectively, from next month.
The new stores form part of Aldi’s commitment to invest more than £400 million in store development this year – as Aldi boss Giles Hurley said its “relentless” expansion will not be stopped, despite sabotage by supermarket rivals.
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The retailer has also been recognised by Which? as the UK’s cheapest supermarket for the past 12 months, with the latest figures showing Aldi was £18.21 cheaper on an average basket of shopping than the most expensive supermarket, Waitrose.
Alongside its new stores, Aldi is developing several new changes as the business looks to become more sustainable.
The changes form a part of the discounter’s commitments to reduce its environmental footprint across the entire business, such as removing plastic packaging from its whole nut snacks range and cutting the number of in-store lights to slash its energy bills.
“Demand for Aldi has never been higher, and more than two thirds of British households already shop with us,” real estate director at Aldi UK, George Brown said.
“However, there are still too many people for whom shopping at Aldi isn’t a convenient option and we’re committed to changing that, giving even more people access to our award-winning products at unbeatable prices.”
Brown added: “To meet that demand, we are investing in new stores up and down the country and won’t stop until we’ve made quality, affordable food accessible to everyone.”
