Aldi is the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket and is famous for its low prices and Specialbuys, but there are a few things you probably didn’t know about the budget retailer.
If you’re one of many who frequently shop at any of the 1,000 Aldi UK stores, you will most likely know about the SpecialBuys.
But it turns out there are a few hidden secrets about the supermarket that you may not know about.
In particular, why does every Aldi store seem to have a familiar layout? And how does the supermarket chain manage to keep its prices so wallet-friendly?
Many shoppers are curious about Aldi’s unique approach to grocery shopping, and one insider has revealed all about the supermarket.
Ricardo Sealey, who manages an Aldi branch in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, has shed light on some of the most common queries he encounters regarding the nation’s fourth-biggest grocer.
The sense of déjà vu you get when stepping into various Aldi stores isn’t accidental; there’s a shrewd reason behind it.
Ricardo explained: “Aldi stores have been specially designed to make the store run as quickly and cheaply as possible, by having a smaller store layout than traditional full-price supermarkets. This is to reduce running costs and use fewer aisles to make the most of in-store space.
“We also want to ensure a consistent shopping experience for all customers, so each store deliberately follows a similar layout meaning shoppers will always find the familiar ‘Super 6’ promotional section upon entering… making it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for.”
Aldi shoppers often wonder if they can score different Specialbuys by popping into various stores, but the store manager has clarified: “The simple answer to this is ‘no.’
“Aldi’s Specialbuys are released every Thursday and Sunday and are exclusively available in our stores, but everyone can purchase the same unique products no matter where they are in the UK.”
The supermarket also highlighted the seasonal nature of these deals, adding: “Our Specialbuys change with the seasons, with products spanning DIY, toys, beauty, gardening and much more.”
Unlike other supermarkets where shelf-stocking happens after hours, at Aldi, you’ll see staff busily replenishing stock all day.
Ricardo shared the reason behind this: “To help things run smoothly, all Aldi colleagues are trained to help in roles across the store, from moving stock to scanning groceries.”
This multitasking approach is part of Aldi’s strategy to keep operations efficient and prices low, as Ricardo points out: “This is just one of Aldi’s clever ways to ensure the store teams are streamlined, prices remain low for customers, and shoppers can always find their favourite Aldi buys in-store.”
While Aldi is known for its unbeatable prices on staples, Ricardo reveals a tip for extra savings through red sticker discounts: “All of our UK stores mark down perishable products by 75 percent on their last day of life, including bread, meat, and produce, while imperfectly packaged items like rice, cereal, and tinned food are discounted by 30 percent.
“Unlike other grocery retailers, our red sticker items aren’t gathered together and can instead be found dotted throughout the store – so keep your eyes peeled for bargains on the shelf edge.”