Aldi is trialling earlier closing times at selected UK stores as the discounter looks for new ways to keep costs down and protect its low-price model.

Some stores will close at 9pm rather than 10pm, with customer feedback being reviewed before the supermarket makes any further decisions.

Aldi has not published a full list of affected locations, although some branches have already introduced the change and others are expected to follow this month.

Notices are being displayed in stores where opening hours are changing.

Aldi’s Heanor store in Derbyshire will close at 9pm instead of 10pm from July 13, Monday to Saturday, with no change to Sunday trading hours.

Another branch in the West Midlands is also understood to be moving to a 9pm closing time from July 16.

Most Aldi UK stores currently close at 10pm, although around 48 of its 1,084 branches already shut at 9pm.

An Aldi spokesperson said: “As the UK’s cheapest supermarket, our commitment to customers is that they will always pay the lowest possible prices every time they shop with us.

“Our efficient business model means that we are always looking for new ways to pass on even greater savings to Aldi shoppers.”

Aldi has grown rapidly in the UK by keeping its store model simple, with a limited range, lean operations and a strong focus on price.

However, the retailer’s latest results showed the cost of maintaining that position.

Sales increased to £18.1bn in the year to December 2024, while its market share reached 10.8 per cent.

However, operating profit fell to £435.5m from £552.9m a year earlier, which Aldi attributed to lowering prices, investing in infrastructure and increasing pay.

The supermarket is still pushing ahead with a major expansion programme.

Last year, Aldi said it would invest £1.6bn over two years to open 80 new stores across 2026 and 2027, upgrade existing shops and strengthen its distribution network.

The retailer, which now has more than 1,080 UK stores, has a long-term target of reaching 1,500 sites.

For shoppers, the earlier closing trial is likely to be most noticeable for those who rely on late-evening grocery trips after work or childcare.

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