Aldi boss Giles Hurley has said the retailer may hire workers from recently collapsed retail chain Wilko and take over its stores as part of its expansion drive.
According to The Mirror, the German discounter is set to create more than 20,000 jobs as bosses plan another 500 store openings to take the total to 1,500 outlets.
Asked whether he is eyeing up the stores, Hurley told The Mirror: “Clearly, with an ambitious target of 1,500 stores, we will look at all the opportunities. It comes down to the availability and suitability.”
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It comes as Aldi celebrated opening its 1,000th store yesterday at Woking, Surrey.
Hurley announced his plan for a further 500 stores to coincide with the opening.
Although no date was formally set, the grocery giant is currently opening around 40 stores a year, ramping up to one every seven days in the run-up to Christmas.
Earlier this week, GMB has criticized B&M for its acquisition of 51 Wilko stores while 1,000 jobs remain at risk.
According to administrators, Wilko will be closing 52 stores, making more than 1,300 staff redundant as talks continue with potential buyers for the remainder of the business.
Hurley said that Wilko affected staff are welcome to apply for any of Aldi ’s vacancies, with more than 6,000 roles currently available in the UK.
