Aldi says it'll pay out a 'fee' if shoppers act before May 31

Aldi has called on its shoppers to help it find new locations for planned and proposed stores in the UK. The German supermarket giant, which is rivalled by the likes of Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons and more, has launched a new nationwide initiative to pinpoint prime locations for new store openings.

The retailer currently has more than 1,000 stores and is committed to continuing towards its long-term target of over 1,500 stores across the UK. Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “We want to make high-quality food accessible to all, but there are still some areas that either don’t have an Aldi or have potential for more stores.

“We’ve identified some key places where there is demand for more stores already, but now we are calling on the public to share their views. This will be used to help inform our property search over the coming years.” Those wanting to put their town forward to be considered should contact the supermarket by emailing NextNewStore@Aldi.co.uk.

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In the email, clearly stating a postcode and why they believe their area needs a new Aldi store. Aldi is asking for suggestions to be submitted by 31 May 2024, with the supermarket planning to update customers on the results and its latest priority ‘wish list’ later this year.

Aldi adds: "Our sustained growth means we are continually expanding our real estate portfolio to help achieve our ever-growing goals for 2023. We have ambitious acquisition and development plans and prefer to purchase freehold, town centre or edge of centre sites suitable for development in towns with a population of 15,000 or more.

"We are willing to explore all opportunities including developer led schemes and existing or new retail units. Our yield profile is increasingly adding value to developments." It also offers typical agent fees are 1.5% of the purchase price (freehold) or 10% of the annual rent (leasehold) finder’s fee.