Aldi: All the changes shoppers will see as 500 branches set to open
Aldi is trialling sensory-friendly shopping hours in some stores
PA/ALDI
Aldi opened its 1,000th UK stores as it shared plans to reach 1,500 across the UK, with one store "close to everyone in the UK".
Those shopping in one of the branches will notice some updates that have recently been introduced.
Aldi is trialling sensory-friendly shopping hours in some stores until the end of October.
This aims to give a quieter shopping experience - including quieter till sounds and no tannoy announcements - on Tuesdays between 6pm and 8.30pm.
It is trialling more loose fruits and vegetables
ALDI
The initiative will take place until the end of October and can be found in stores across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.
If successful, it could be rolled out to all Aldi UK stores.
Diversity and inclusion director at Aldi UK Vicky Metcalf said: “Our new sensory-friendly shopping hours aim to help those who prefer a quieter shopping experience or struggle with noisy environments.
“We are committed to ensuring we are as accessible and inclusive as possible – both for shoppers and colleagues – and we look forward to receiving customer feedback on this trial to help inform our approach on a national level.”
It has made a string of changes to help cut back on waste, including new packaging and the removal of single use cutlery.
More loose fruits and vegetables will be available in a bid to cut back on packaging.
Some stores in the North East, Cumbria, Yorkshire, the South East and London will offer loose garlic and limes, and shoppers in the East of England, East Midlands and London can pick up loose garlic, limes, oranges and lemons.
It will also test out vacuum and flow-wrap packed beef mince to reduce plastic.
Different packaging will be available in different stores, and the preferred option will be rolled out.
It aims to open 500 more stores
PA
The alternate packaging reduces plastic waste and helps the product stay fresher for longer.
Aldi has removed wooden cutlery from the food to go section in stores.
This was previously available when picking up snacks such as pasta and salad.
However, this will be removed to cut back on waste, and shoppers are encouraged to use their own cutlery.