Aldi plans £370m London expansion with 25 new stores in 2026
Supermarket targets Bromley, Lewisham and Elephant & Castle among priority sites for affordable food outlets
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Aldi will open 25 new supermarkets across Greater London in 2026 as part of a £370 million expansion. The supermarket has identified priority sites in Bromley, Lewisham and Elephant & Castle, alongside 22 other locations. The investment aims to improve access to affordable food and create jobs, according to the company.
Jonathan Neale, Aldi UK’s managing director of national real estate, said the expansion would bring high-quality food to communities that need it most. He told This Is Local London that new stores would also offer industry-leading pay, with store assistants earning a starting rate of £14.88 per hour inside the M25.
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Where Aldi wants to open new stores
The supermarket has listed 25 priority areas for new stores. In Barnet, North Harrow and Highams Park are among the targeted neighbourhoods. Other locations include Twickenham, Bexleyheath, Sutton, Brentford, Beckenham, South Croydon, Sidcup, Hammersmith, South Woodford, Wembley, Shepherd’s Bush, Maida Hill, Limehouse, Acton, Wanstead, Richmond, Teddington, Raynes Park, Chiswick, Walthamstow, Barking, Hayes and Wood Green.
Aldi is seeking freehold, leasehold or long leasehold sites in prominent locations. The company has asked landowners and agents to submit opportunities via email. No specific sites have been confirmed, and it is unclear when construction will begin in each area.
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Pay and jobs for London workers
Store assistants at Aldi currently earn £13.50 per hour nationally. Inside the M25, the starting rate rises to £14.88 per hour, with further increases based on length of service. This Is Local London reported that Aldi offers the highest hourly wages of any UK supermarket.
The expansion is part of Aldi’s long-term plan to reach 1,500 stores across the UK. The company has not disclosed how many jobs will be created in London or when individual stores will open. Residents in targeted areas can expect public consultations once specific sites are identified.
We know how important it is for people to have access to affordable, high-quality food close to where they live, which is why we’re focused on identifying the communities that would benefit most from a new Aldi store.
Jonathan Neale, Aldi UK managing director of national real estate
What happens next
Aldi is currently in the site acquisition phase. Landowners and agents can contact the company via realestateacquisitions@aldi.co.uk. Once sites are secured, the supermarket will begin planning applications and public consultations. Residents in targeted areas should monitor local council planning portals for updates.
Questions this report answers
+How much will Aldi pay store assistants in London?
Store assistants at Aldi will earn a starting rate of £14.88 per hour inside the M25, rising with length of service. This is the highest hourly wage among UK supermarkets, as reported by This Is Local London.
+Which London areas will get new Aldi stores?
Aldi has targeted 25 locations, including Bromley, Lewisham, Elephant & Castle, North Harrow and Highams Park. Other areas include Twickenham, Bexleyheath and Walthamstow. No specific sites have been confirmed yet.
+How can landowners offer sites to Aldi?
Landowners and agents can submit site opportunities to Aldi via realestateacquisitions@aldi.co.uk. The company is seeking freehold, leasehold or long leasehold sites in prominent locations across Greater London.
+When will the new Aldi stores open in London?
Aldi plans to invest £370 million in 2026, but no specific opening dates have been announced. Residents should monitor local council planning portals for updates once sites are identified.
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