Aldi Staff Only Shops Tackle Food Waste with Deep Discounts—But There's a Catch

Aldi has unveiled a new initiative aimed at reducing food waste while offering deep discounts—but there's a catch. The supermarket chain is rolling out 11 exclusive 'Colleague Shops' at its Regional Distribution Centres across the UK.

These staff-only stores will sell products that are no longer fit for retail shelves but are still safe to consume, giving warehouse and office employees access to ultra-low prices while supporting Aldi's sustainability goals.

A New Chapter in Aldi's Waste Reduction Strategy

The Colleague Shop model is designed to intercept food items that would otherwise be discarded due to damaged packaging, short shelf lives, or minor imperfections. According to Aldi, the initiative is expected to prevent approximately 240 tonnes of food waste each year. Luke Emery, Aldi UK's National Sustainability Director, described the program as 'a practical initiative that benefits both colleagues and the environment.'

The rollout follows a successful pilot at the Darlington Regional Distribution Centre and is now being extended nationwide.

Where These Shops Are Located

The staff-only shops are being launched at Aldi's 11 Regional Distribution Centres, including Bathgate, Sheppey, Bolton, Goldthorpe, Sawley, Cardiff, Atherstone, Neston, Chelmsford, and Swindon. Access is restricted to warehouse operations and office staff—meaning the general public won't be able to take advantage of the discounted goods.

This exclusivity is the 'catch' behind the initiative: while the prices are appealing, they're not available to everyday shoppers.

Sustainability Milestones and Future Goals

Aldi's latest move builds on its broader sustainability efforts. In 2022, the company reported a 57% reduction in food waste compared to its 2017 baseline—achieving its original 2030 target eight years ahead of schedule. Following that success, Aldi revised its goal to a 90% reduction by 2030.

The Colleague Shop is part of a growing trend among retailers to address food waste through internal programs rather than relying solely on external redistribution or donation schemes.

Competitive Pressures in the Discount Sector

The launch of these staff-only shops comes as Aldi faces increased competition. In mid-2025, Aldi lost its title as the UK's cheapest supermarket to rival Lidl, according to a price analysis by consumer group Which?. The analysis compared a basket of 76 grocery items, with Lidl edging out Aldi by less than £1.

While the Colleague Shop won't affect public pricing directly, it reinforces Aldi's commitment to operational efficiency and employee support—two factors that may influence brand loyalty and internal morale.

What's Next for Aldi's Sustainability Strategy

With the success of the pilot and national rollout, Aldi may explore further ways to expand its food waste initiatives. Whether that includes broader employee access or partnerships with food banks remains to be seen. For now, the Colleague Shop stands as a targeted, internal solution that blends environmental responsibility with employee benefits.