One man’s closure is another’s Aldi boss considers hiring ex-Wilko staff take over business

Aldi’s Expansion Plans and Wilko Connection

Eyeing Former Wilko Stores

Aldi is actively considering acquiring former Wilko stores and potentially hiring staff affected by the retailer Wilko’s collapse as part of its ambitious expansion plans in the UK. The supermarket chain aims to open an additional 500 stores in the UK after celebrating the opening of its 1,000th store in Surrey.

Considering All Opportunities

Giles Hurley, the UK and Ireland chief executive of Aldi, indicated the company’s interest in ex-Wilko locations, emphasizing that their expansion strategy is reliant on the availability and suitability of such sites. This statement came in response to queries about Aldi’s approach to former Wilko stores.

Wilko’s Closure and Its Impact

Meanwhile, as the days count down to the closure of Wilko stores, shoppers have been seen stripping the shelves of remaining discounted items, marking the end of an era for these stores. Several Wilko branches, including the one in Ashford, Kent, are set to close following the company’s administration.

Aldi’s Offer of Jobs

Aldi has reached out to staff affected by Wilko’s collapse, announcing that it has around 6,000 job vacancies across its stores. The company aims to provide long-term retail positions to those who have lost their jobs due to Wilko’s downturn, ranging from Store Assistant to Store Manager roles. This initiative comes at a time when many lament the loss of Wilko as a value-for-money store.

Impact on the High Street

Local customers express their sadness over Wilko’s closure, emphasizing its role as a longstanding and affordable shopping destination. Residents are concerned about the impact on the high street, echoing broader worries about job losses and the changing retail landscape.

Aldi’s Ambitious Expansion

Aldi’s decision to increase its target from 1,200 to 1,500 stores aligns with the company’s efforts to respond to the demand for more accessible and affordable shopping options. The supermarket chain has gained popularity for its competitive prices and plans to open new locations across the UK in the coming years.

Continued Growth and Market Share

Aldi, which entered the UK market in 1990, has steadily expanded its market share. It was recently recognized as the UK’s most affordable supermarket by consumer advocate Which?. CEO Giles Hurley attributed Aldi’s growth to its ability to provide budget-conscious shoppers with an alternative to traditional, full-price supermarkets.

Meeting Rising Demand

As the cost of living increases, Aldi has observed increased popularity among shoppers. The supermarket’s expansion aims to bring its unbeatable prices closer to more communities across the UK, addressing the needs of customers who continue to pay high prices at traditional supermarkets.

Rapid Growth

Aldi’s rapid expansion has seen 1.1 million additional customers entering its stores over the past year, making it more popular than ever. The company is committed to ensuring that an Aldi store is accessible to everyone in the UK.

Landmark Opening

Aldi recently celebrated the opening of its 1,000th store in Woking, Surrey, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing expansion journey.

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