Aldi, the most popular and least expensive supermarket in Britain, has promised to invest 1.3 billion over the next two years (2022-2023) in an effort to increase its market share in the country. In addition to the 7,000 permanent posts already created over the previous two years, the plans are anticipated to generate more than 2,000 new jobs in the coming year.
Aldi reported record sales in the UK and Ireland for the year ending December 31, 2020, rising 10.2% from the previous year to $13.5 billion (2019: 12.3 billion). With a UK market share of 8.1%, the most recent numbers indicate that Aldi is drawing more new customers through its doors than any other store.
Aldi stated that as part of its long-term investment plans, it would add 100 additional stores to its existing retail network over the course of the next two years, spread out its logistics network, and build a new 1.3 million square foot facility in Leicestershire. Aldis’ well-known click and collect service and technological projects are receiving additional funding to assist future growth.
Although 2020 was a very difficult year, our 41,000 coworkers rose to the occasion when it counted most. Their commitment to the communities they serve has been nothing short of amazing. According to Giles Hurley, chief executive officer for Aldi UK and Ireland, “our staff demonstrated the strength, success, and spirit of our business” in the face of some of the most challenging circumstances our industry has ever seen.
In addition to achieving record sales, we kept up our growth-oriented investment strategy, investing more than 600 million in stores and distribution facilities across the UK. Hurley noted that this supported British farmers and manufacturers by generating thousands of much-needed employment. Profits were affected by the cost of fighting the pandemic, but returning business rate relief was the correct thing to do.
With more than 60% of households shopping at Aldi in the past year, we are still adding new customers. We are thrilled to give millions of new consumers access to Aldis award-winning quality and unbeatable value by redefining the discount supermarket in the UK and expanding the places and methods to buy with us, Hurley added in the announcement.
Newspaper Fibre2Fashion Desk (JL)
