Aldi has opened five new stores across the UK ahead of Christmas in a win for festive shoppers. Has your local area got a new supermarket?
This comes amid widespread store closures, which has seen iconic brands such as River Island, Poundland and Claire’s Accessories.
The German discount retailer is in the process of rolling out new stores as part of wider restructuring plans, with the majority of these recent openings taking place yesterday (December 11).
According to the supermarket chain, the new stores will create around 200 new jobs in a boon for the economy.
Is your local area getting an Aldi supermarket?
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Earlier this year, Aldi unveiled plans to open 16 new locations ahead of the festive season despite the recent trend of store closures.
Aldi UK real estate managing director Jon Neale said: “Opening any new store is exciting, but opening five in 24 hours, just before Christmas, will make a huge difference for customers in each of these areas.
“It reflects the demand we’re seeing right across the UK and the scale of our ambition as we continue to grow.”
“We’re committed to growing in the right places, with the right teams, bringing our low prices and high-quality products to even more communities.”
Shoppers are preparing for a busy Christmas season
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ALDIHere is a full list of the new Aldi stores opening before Christmas:
- Uxbridge
- London’s Old Kent Road
- Northallerton
- Pershore
- Yate, Bristol.
Aldi is one of the most popular supermarkets in the UK
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ALDIAs well as this, the supermarket is urging the public to take part in its Christmas foodbank donation items with Neighbourly, Aldi’s long-term partner, sounding the alarm over incresaed pressure on charitable organisations.
Four in five have seen demand for services grow over the past six months, while demand for foodbanks and food provision is expected to increase by nearly 30% over the colder months. Nine in 10 attribute this increased demand to rising living costs.
Almost two-thirds (66 per cent) of local charities say essentials such as food, toiletries and hygiene products are their top priority, while more than half (57 per cent) report that toys and gifts make a meaningful difference to families at Christmas.
The most in-demand items include store-cupboard essentials, festive treats, toiletries and pet food. Aldi is sharing this list to help customers easily identify which items are most needed this Christmas.
Experts suggested leaving Christmas packaging out of sight | PA
Aldi shoppers are being reminded that they can donate these products at the community collection points in Aldi stores nationwide, with all items passed on to local good causes.
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for foodbanks and local charities supporting those in need. In the past, our customers have been incredibly generous and keen to give back to their communities.”
Steve Butterworth, Neighbourly CEO, added: “Many foodbanks and community groups are under huge pressure this winter, with more people than ever turning to them for support.
“Aldi’s continued commitment to helping local causes – and making it simple for customers to donate what’s needed most – will make a real impact in communities across the UK this Christmas as many struggle through the cost-of-living crisis.”
