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On June 18, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 656, Ali becomes Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate. In 1958, Benjamin Britten's one-act opera Noye's Fludde premiered at the Aldeburgh Festival. In 1970, Katie Derham, English journalist was born. In 1979, Ivana Wong, Hong Kong singer-songwriter and actress was born. In 1981, Scooter Braun, American music executive was born. In 1983, Cameron Smith, Australian rugby league player was born. In 1985, Alex Hirsch, American animator and television producer was born. In 1993, Craig Rodwell, American activist, founded the Oscar Wilde Bookshop (born 1940) passed away. In 2012, Alketas Panagoulias, Greek footballer and manager (born 1934) passed away. In 2015, Ralph J. Roberts, American businessman, co-founded Comcast (born 1920) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.

Aldi to open 16 new UK stores as supermarket invests £370million in expansion plans - full list

GB News

GB News

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June 18, 2026

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lean right
Aldi to open 16 new UK stores as supermarket invests £370million in expansion plans - full list

Aldi has announced plans to open 16 new stores across Britain in the coming months as the discount supermarket invests £370million in expanding its UK presence this year.Shoppers in Watford, Hoxton in east London, Hattersley in Greater Manchester and Balsall Common in the West Midlands are among those set to gain access to new branches as part of the retailer's latest growth drive.The German-owned supermarket currently operates more than 1,080 stores across the UK and has outlined long-term ambitions to increase that figure to 1,500 branches.The latest wave of openings forms part of Aldi's strategy to extend its reach and bring its low-cost offering to more communities nationwide. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: At Aldi, we're committed to making high-quality, affordable food accessible to everyone, which is why we continue to invest in expanding our store network across the UK.Our £370million investment in new stores this year will help us bring Aldi's unbeatable value to even more communities, supporting local economies through our industry-leading pay for colleagues.Mr Neale said the investment reflects the supermarket's intention to reach shoppers who do not currently have an Aldi store nearby.The retailer has identified several locations across England and Wales for the latest round of openings, with Greater Manchester set to gain stores in Hattersley and Wigan.The Isle of Wight is due to receive a branch in Newport, while another store is planned for Newport in south Wales.London is set to see four new Aldi stores open in Hoxton, Orpington, Watford and Marble Arch.Ashford in Kent and Rayleigh in Essex are also included in the latest expansion plans.The West Midlands is scheduled to receive stores in Balsall Common and Sutton Coldfield.LATEST DEVELOPMENTSUK unemployment falls to 4.9 as wage growth beats forecasts ahead of Bank of England rate decisionWhitehall accused of misleading public with 'disingenuous' denials of Dartmoor pony cullRachel Reeves warned don't 'act surprised' as one million pensioners face tax bills for first timeAlongside the new stores, Aldi is refurbishing 25 existing branches this summer.The upgrades will provide additional shopping space and introduce energy-saving features, including fridge doors designed to improve efficiency.Selected stores will also benefit from refreshed bakery, health and beauty and fresh food sections.Mr Neale said the improvements would create even more convenient and efficient stores for both customers and colleagues while supporting the retailer's sustainability ambitions.The supermarket has also invested more than £200million in price reductions so far this year.That total includes £60million in cuts introduced this week across a range of products, including fresh and frozen food as well as household essentials.Full list of Aldi stores openingHattersley, Greater ManchesterNewport, Isle of WightBishops Cleeve, CheltenhamNewport, South WalesOrpington, LondonHoxton, LondonAshford, KentWatford, LondonRayleigh, EssexBalsall Common, West MidlandsMarble Arch, LondonMalton, North YorkshirePort Talbot, WalesSutton Coldfield, West LondonWigan, Greater ManchesterSudbury, SuffolkOur Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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