Aldi builds real estate team as it targets 500 new stores

Aldi has formed a new national real estate team as it looks to hit its target of 500 new stores.

The new team – headed up by the retailer’s managing director of real estate, Jonathon Neale – is being aided by Colliers as national advisers.

The supermarket retailer announced long-term plans earlier this year to operate 1,500 UK stores and to increase its distribution network capabilities.

Jonathan Neale said: “This year we opened our landmark 1,000th store and we have the most ambitious expansion plans of any major supermarket. Centralising our real estate team and making it easier for the real estate sector to deal with Aldi is the first step in accelerating progress towards our goal of opening a further 500 new stores. We have clear, consistent requirements and want to partner with land-owners, landlords and developers.

“Listening to the sector, we know that our new national team will make it easier for people to work with us. We are now set up to have the kind of agility needed to find and deliver the sites and schemes that will help us to bring our amazing quality and unbeatable value to every town and community in the country.”

Aldi is particularly looking for sites in London and the South East, where it wants to open 200 new stores. It is also seeking locations in areas including Glasgow and Worthing.

The supermarket typically looks for freehold town centre or edge-of-town sites comprising around 1.5 acres, with space for a 20,000 sq ft store with approximately 100 parking spaces.

The Colliers Team advising Aldi is led by Greg Styles, head of retail development and advisory.