Aldi has announced that it will be investing £300 million into its stores following the announcement of record profits in the past financial year.
The investment will pay for improvements in its alcohol ranges as well as fresh produce and a new “food to go” service as well as the refurbishment of 100 stores in the next 12 months. It will also mean that Aldi can offer higher salaries to its employees than any of the other big grocers in the UK.
In 2015, sales rose 12% year-on-year to £7.7 billion for the year, although profits saw a 1.8% dip as the price war intensified.
However, the German firm currently has 70 new stores in the pipeline for the UK next year, building on strong customer growth, which saw 761,000 new customers come through its doors. The new openings form part of its plan to reach 1,000 stores in the UK by 2022.
A new distribution centre in Cardiff is also planned for next year.
Chief executive Matthew Barnes commented: "During the past five years we have invested close to £1.7 billion in the UK by opening more stores than any other supermarket and enhancing our distribution capabilities.
"Our future capital expenditure plans are unchanged - we will continue to make significant investments in our business, paying our employees more than any other supermarket.
"Regardless of what competitors may say or do, our price advantage will be maintained and our customers will always pay the lowest grocery prices in the UK."
