Discounter: Aldi plant 40 neue Filialen in Großbritannien

Aldi plans to invest nearly one billion euros in its British business over the next year, with the funds earmarked for 40 new stores and an expanded distribution network, the British division of Aldi Süd announced on Monday. The German discount retailer aims to increase its share in the fiercely competitive British grocery market.

Thirty additional outlets will join the existing 1,092 stores within the next ten weeks. Aldi's long-term goal is to open 1,500 locations. Both Aldi and German rival Lidl have experienced significant growth in Britain over the past two decades, putting pressure on local chains. In 2025, Aldi UK's operating profit stood at £432.9 million, representing a 2.3% margin.

Revenue, including Ireland, grew by 5% to £19 billion. The company attributes the sluggish profit growth to investments in pricing, infrastructure, and wages. Aldi now holds the fourth-largest position among food retailers in Britain, behind Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda. Analysts, however, suggest the company has underperformed relative to the overall market recently.

In the twelve weeks ending September 6, sales rose by 0.7%, while the market share fell by 0.2 percentage points to 10.6%. Lidl, on the other hand, reported an 8% revenue increase during the same period. Aldi UK has committed £340 million to price cuts this year, citing food costs as one of the biggest burdens for British households.

"Recent droughts domestically and events overseas have shown how vulnerable our food system is and why food security must be a long-term national priority," Aldi UK CEO Giles Hurley stated.