Aldi customers are starting to notice the presence of in-store bakeries in some branches, drawing comparisons to rival supermarket Lidl. The discount retailer has been testing these bakeries since 2019, and they are now operational in 25 stores. One shopper expressed surprise on the Aldi UK Shoppers Facebook page upon discovering a bakery at her local Aldi in Gosport, Hampshire.
This development sparked a discussion among shoppers, with many expressing interest in having a bakery in their nearest store. Some shoppers likened Aldi’s new bakery section to Lidl, known for its bakery offerings. The ongoing rollout of in-store bakeries is part of Aldi’s strategy to enhance its customer experience and product offerings.
In other news, Aldi has identified priority locations across the UK for new store openings as part of a significant £650 million investment this year. The supermarket is seeking locations that can accommodate a 20,000 sq ft store with ample parking and good accessibility. Additionally, Aldi is looking for sites in Central London to introduce its Aldi Local store format, targeting zones one and two.
As part of its expansion plan, Aldi is set to open ten new stores this summer, including locations in Surrey, South Yorkshire, and London. Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable food to communities across the country.
Earlier this year, Aldi raised hourly rates for store assistants, with a minimum wage of £12.75 and £14.05 within the M25. The company has also pledged further pay increases for store colleagues starting September 2025, aiming to set minimum rates at £12.85 per hour nationally and £14.16 per hour for those working within the M25.