The trial is already under way at some locations, while additional stores are expected to adopt the revised hours during July. Aldi has not published a full list of the branches involved, although notices are being displayed in affected stores to inform customers of the changes.
According to The Sun, the move comes as the supermarket continues to expand its UK estate and invest in existing locations. At the same time, the company has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to offering low prices while reviewing aspects of its day-to-day operations.
Trial Affects Selected Stores While Wider Opening Hours Remain Unchanged
Aldi is trialling a 9pm closing time at selected stores from Monday to Saturday, replacing the usual 10pm finish. Sunday trading hours are not changing as part of the trial. The retailer has not confirmed which branches are participating.
Staff at some stores have instead informed customers through notices and local announcements. One employee at the Heanor branch in Derbyshire wrote on Facebook that the store would begin closing at 9pm from 13 July on a trial basis, adding that the revised hours were likely to become permanent if the trial proved successful.
According to The Sun, another Aldi employee said a branch in the West Midlands would also begin closing at 9pm from 16 July. Analysis of Aldi’s published store information indicates that most of its 1,084 UK stores currently close at 10pm, while around 48 already close at 9pm. The number of stores operating under the earlier timetable is expected to increase during the trial period.
Responding to questions about the changes, Aldi said its commitment remains to offering customers the lowest possible prices. The company added that its business model continually looks for ways to deliver further savings to shoppers.
Store Expansion and Investment Continue Alongside Operational Changes
The revised opening hours come as Aldi presses ahead with plans to grow its presence across the UK. According to the Mirror, the supermarket is preparing to open 16 new stores over the coming months, including locations in Hattersley, Hoxton, Watford, Orpington, Ashford, Rayleigh, Marble Arch, Port Talbot, Sudbury and Wigan.
The retailer has also announced improvements at 25 existing stores. According to the same source, planned upgrades include creating additional shopping space and installing more energy-efficient refrigeration. Selected branches will also receive improvements to bakery, fresh food, and health and beauty areas. Some stores in York, Liverpool and Yarm are scheduled for extensions designed to provide wider aisles and a more spacious shopping environment.
These projects form part of a £300 million investment in Aldi’s existing stores, alongside a separate £370 million commitment to opening new locations. The Mirror reported that the programme supports the retailer’s longer-term ambition of expanding its UK network to around 1,500 stores.
The operational trial also follows other recent changes within the business. According to The Sun, Aldi has updated its uniform policy so that non-management store employees are no longer required to wear name badges, a decision made after feedback from colleagues, while managers will continue to wear them.
