Aldi is launching new ‘secret’ shops in UK with even cheaper food 

Budget retailer Aldi is set to open new shops across the UK selling products for an even lower price than usual.

But there’s a bit of a catch – most Brits won’t be able to visit them as they’re not going to be open to the general public.

Known as colleague shops, they’re intended for Aldi staff members only and will be located inside the retailer’s 11 distribution centres.

The new shops will give staff the chance to buy discounted products which can’t be sold in stores, in a bid to reduce food waste.

According to Aldi, the food products will all still be safe for consumption and will help prevent an estimated 240 tonnes of food waste per year. 

Luke Emery, national sustainability director at Aldi UK, said: ‘The colleague shop is another example of how we’re working to cut food waste across our operations.

‘It’s a practical initiative that benefits both colleagues and the environment, and we’re pleased to extend it nationwide following a successful pilot.’

The roll out of colleague stores follow a successful trial at Aldi’s Darlington Regional Distribution Centre.

And this isn’t the only way Aldi is tackling food waste, as the retailer also recently launched new ‘reduction zones’ in its UK stores. These are designated areas featuring discounted bread, fresh produce and other perishable items approaching their use-by date.

Items are discounted throughout the day so new products are regularly added to the zones, offering shoppers the chance to save money on products that might otherwise go unsold.

Those looking to nab a bargain can also do so at Lidl right now, as the German retailer has brought back its popular mystery boxes.

The boxes contain more than £100 worth of items from the Middle of Lidl but cost just £20, with all proceeds going to the NSPCC.

They first launched in August 2024 and contained everything from coffee machines, to ukuleles, slushie makers, massage guns, and more.

This year shoppers can also expect insulated flasks, noise cancelling headphones, exercise equipment, homeware, and Lidl merch such as branded wellies.

But as it’s a mystery, you won’t know what you’ve got until you open the box.

And there’s one more fun twist, as shiny ‘bonus item coupons’ have been randomly hidden in 150 of the boxes. This unlocks a surprise premium prize worth up to £100 which could include a rowing machine, an air fryer, a vacuum cleaner or a TV.

There are a total of 1,500 mystery boxes up for grabs this time around and they’ll be available from 10am on October 24.

In order to get your hands on one, you have to visit mysteryboxesbylidl.co.uk and you’ll have to be speedy as they’re only available while stock lasts and last year they sold out in under an hour.

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