A MAJOR supermarket chain is closing one of its branches within days – but it’s not all bad news for customers.
That’s because the store is shutting temporarily for a refurbishment and will reopen in the autumn.
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The Aldi in Bearwood, Birmingham, is closing at 4pm on March 17 meaning customers’ next nearest branch will be in Wolverhampton Road Oldbury, just under three miles away.
But the branch is set to be made larger and a new store layout put in place, and will open back up again from September.
An exact reopen date is yet to be revealed.
A spokesperson for the retailer said: “When we reopen in the autumn, the store will be larger, and in our new layout, which ensures more space for fresh, chilled and food-to-go ranges.
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“We will keep the community updated on developments.”
The branch’s temporary closure will likely come as a disappointment to shoppers – plenty are full of high praise for it on Google Reviews.
One has branded it the “best Aldi in Brum”, adding “only problem is because it’s good it’s always too busy”.
Others have highlighted the quality of customer service at the store.
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One said: “Even though I live close to a rival (German) supermarket, I will travel two miles by bus to get here as the staff are lovely and helpful.”
Another said: “Always fresh produce and friendly staff.”
The renovation of the Bearwood store comes after Aldi unveiled last month major plans to open more stores and upgrade its existing ones.
Food fans are running to Aldi desperate to nab the four new flavours of hot cross buns ahead of Easter
The German discounter, which opened its first UK store in 1990, is pumping £550million into the countrywide expansion.
Giles Hurley, Aldi’s UK and Ireland chief executive, said the expansion plans aimed to address that “there are still areas of the country that don’t have an Aldi, or that need more or larger stores to meet demand”.
The chain, which overtook Morrisons as the fourth largest supermarket chain in 2022, already runs over 1,000 UK branches but wants to open 500 more in the coming years.
It previously set a target of running 1,200 by the end of 2025.
It comes as a number of other retailers grow their physical store presence across the UK.
Asda has been opening hundreds of convenience stores in recent months as it looks to rival major players Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
Primark is also opening new branches and investing and renovating more than a dozen of its existing shops.
Meanwhile, Wilko has made a comeback on the high street, opening stores in Plymouth, Luton and Exeter before the end of last year.
How to save money at Aldi
It’s worth keeping an eye out for any red sticker products, which staff add to items when they’ve been reduced in price.
Aldi usually adds these to products in the morning so you should head to your nearest branch as early as possible for the best discounts.
Keep an eye out for slashed-price fruits and vegetables as well – the retailer tends to reduce six items every two weeks to “silly low” prices, according to deals expert Tom Church.
How can I save on my supermarket shop?
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they’ve been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you’ll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you’ll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching “finest” or “luxury” products and instead going for “own” or value” type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they’re misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
Get ahead of the crowd by signing up to Aldi’s newsletter and following the retailer on social media as well.
It often announces upcoming deals via the two channels so you can snap up the best prices before anyone else.
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If you’re looking to save money on takeaways, Aldi’s “fakeaways” could help too.
The retailer most recently launched a KFC-inspired box that it claims is 62% cheaper than the chicken joint.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.
