Aldi Launches 11 New Discount Stores for Employees in the UK

Aldi has opened 11 new discount stores across the UK, but access is limited exclusively to its employees. These stores, located at Aldi’s distribution centres, aim to sell surplus food items at reduced prices, thereby contributing to the supermarket’s sustainability efforts. The initiative is part of Aldi’s broader strategy to cut food waste by 90% by 2030, using 2017 levels as a baseline.

The new discount stores, referred to as “colleague shops,” are designed to address the issue of food waste. According to Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, “The colleague shop is another example of how we’re working to cut food waste across our operations. It’s a practical initiative that benefits both colleagues and the environment, and we’re pleased to extend it nationwide following a successful pilot.”

The pilot program, which was initially trialled at one distribution centre, demonstrated significant potential, leading to a nationwide rollout aimed at preventing approximately 240 tonnes of food from going to waste each year. The majority of Aldi’s locations, which number over 1,000 throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, will not feature these discount stores.

In addition to the colleague shops, Aldi plans to implement “reduction zones” in its traditional supermarkets. These designated areas will help shoppers identify discounted items, further enhancing the supermarket’s commitment to sustainability while providing value to its customers. This initiative resembles the approach taken by other organizations in the UK, such as Company Shop, which offers significant discounts to employees of the NHS, emergency services, armed forces, and charities.

Aldi’s focus on reducing food waste and promoting sustainability reflects a growing trend among retailers to adopt eco-friendly practices. By targeting surplus food that is still safe for consumption but not suitable for regular sales, Aldi hopes to make a positive impact on both the environment and the community. While the new discount stores may not be accessible to the general public, the initiative marks a significant step towards a more sustainable retail model in the UK.