Aldi Seeking Public Input To Find Sites For New Stores

Aldi is calling on the public to help identify the best locations for new stores in the UK.

Customers can submit suggestions for where the discounter should open new outlets, with the most popular areas being considered as part of Aldi’s expansion strategy.

The supermarket currently has more than 1,050 stores and has committed to a long-term goal of operating more than 1,500 sites across the UK.

In the coming months, Aldi will be bringing new stores to areas such as Ashford in Kent, Eastbourne in Sussex, and Caterham in Surrey, as part of its focus on expanding in the South East.

“We’ve always believed that great quality food should be within everyone’s reach and many communities would therefore still benefit from having an Aldi nearby,” said Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK.

“We’re always looking at key places where we see potential, but we also want to hear directly from the public about where the demand is greatest. Their input is invaluable as we continue to grow and bring Aldi’s unbeatable value to more areas across Britain.”

The supermarket ran a similar initiative last year, which saw locations in London, Manchester, and Derbyshire recognised as priority locations amongst shoppers.

Progress has already been made to bring a new Aldi store to Chesterfield in Derbyshire, with the company recently securing planning for a site on Ringwood Road, Brimington.

To nominate a town or area for consideration, people have to email NextNewStore@aldi.co.uk and state the town they would like to put forward in the subject of the email.

Aldi is asking for submissions by 8th June, with plans to share the results and unveil the next round of priority locations later this year.

NamNews Implications:

• Aldi will obviously use scientific bases for site selection…
• …But public support will patently help in securing planning approvals.
• Besides, one never knows, local support may uncover potential sites missed by the science…
• Either way, Aldi appears to be determined to achieve their long-term goal of operating more than 1,500 sites across the UK.
• Watch this space…