Aldi unveils record investment plans

The discounter expects to open around 100 new stores across the UK over 2020 and 2021 in line with its long-term target of 1,200 stores by 2025, alongside more than 100 store upgrades under its Project Fresh initiative.

Other investments include new and expanded distribution centres and the roll-out of recent innovations and developments, including its new click-and-collect service which was successfully piloted and launched to customers last week.

The plans are expected to create a further 4,000 new jobs next year, adding to the 3,000 permanent roles already created in 2020.

In its annual trading update, Aldi said an influx of new shoppers had helped it increase sales in the UK and Ireland by 8.3% to a record £12.3bn in the year to 31 December 2019.

The group, which reported a drop in profits in 2018, saw margins improve last year, with efficiencies of scale offsetting continued investment in prices.

Giles Hurley, chief executive for Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “The founding principle of our UK business back in 1990 was to offer a carefully-selected range of great quality products at the lowest prices. Whilst we’re continuing to innovate to give customers an even better experience and greater convenience, our core philosophy remains unchanged.

“With the UK’s economic outlook increasingly uncertain, families are more concerned about their grocery bills than ever. We’ve seen before that our customers need us most in times of financial hardship, which is why our commitment to remain Britain’s lowest-priced supermarket is more important than ever.”