Several Aldi Stores To Become Aldi Local And Lose Specialbuys Aisle
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Aldi has announced that it will be revamping several stores to create a new 'Aldi Local' brand. That might not sound like such a big deal until you consider one thing.
They're planning to remove the 'Specialbuys' aisle from those stores.
Yes, that wonderful world in the middle of the shop where you can find everything from Bluetooth patio heaters to 3D printers, from hot tubs to golf clubs (OK, maybe not golf clubs).
However, don't worry too much - it's only going to affect seven stores.
If your local Aldi supermarket is in the Greater London area, you might have a bit more cause for concern. The seven shops that are to become Aldi Local stores are all in that neck of the woods.
They are as follows: Camden, Archway, Kilburn, Tooting, Kingston, Romford, and Eastcote.
Heck, if you live in Balham, this is old news because that store was turned into the first Aldi Local earlier this year.
The change - which will come into effect on Thursday 27 June - is aimed at catching more passing trade from shoppers who are on foot and maybe not looking for an entire set of garden furniture.
Instead of that, they'll be able to get some chilled food, a meal to eat that evening, or something from the bakery.
When you put it that way, it does start to make a bit more sense, right?
On top of that, you'll no longer be offered the chance to buy larger packs of food in these shops.
At the time of opening the first Aldi Local, a spokesperson for Aldi UK told The Retail Gazette that the decision was taken "to help shoppers distinguish between its smaller city stores in London and the conventional-sized Aldis."
Back then, the idea was just a trial. It looks like that trial was a success and the decision to create more Aldi Local stores represents the next stage of that.
The same spokesperson said: "The main difference is that it doesn't sell bulkier items that shoppers would have difficulty transporting without a car."
Fair enough, then.
However, shoppers will surely lament the loss of their beloved Specialbuys aisles. Pitched with the slogan 'when they're gone, they're gone', they offer Aldi shoppers the chance to buy something that they otherwise mightn't have thought to buy.
Sure, you don't need a pizza oven, but it's always nice to have the option to dine al fresco if you want, isn't it?
What do you mean you live in a single-bed flat in Camden?
Featured Image Credit: PA
Topics: uk news
