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ALDI LAUNCHES TRAFFIC LIGHT SYSTEM FOR STORE ACCESS

Aldi is implementing a new automated traffic light system at entrances, to control the number of customers going in and out of stores.

The nationwide roll out of the new technology starts from this week following a successful trial.

Traffic lights will signal when customers can enter stores based on individual store customer limits that are in line with two-metre social distancing rules.

NHS and blue light worker priority access remains in place. These workers are encouraged to go to the front of the queue and other customers will be asked to continue to respect this.

The traffic light system will run alongside the current measures already in place at all Aldi stores to ensure social distancing. 

This includes protective screens at checkouts, distancing markers on shop floors, sanitisation stations for customers as well as signage to offer clear guidance on how to shop safely. Stores are also encouraging one customer per trolley where possible.

Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi said: “The protection and safety of our customers and employees is our top priority and this new system is an accurate and effective way to allow us to control customer numbers in stores.

“The system’s trial was well received by our customers and we will be gradually rolling this new social distancing measure out nationwide from this week.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:
Aldi
Aldi is Britain’s fifth largest supermarket with more than 875 stores and 33,000 employees.
The company has more than doubled its market share since 2010. In the 12 weeks to 22^nd March, Aldi grew sales by 11.0% and it achieved an 8.2% share of the UK grocery market (Kantar Worldpanel data). By 2025, Aldi will operate over 1,200 stores.
Aldi is attracting hundreds of thousands of new customers every year with its range of exclusive brands, passing low operating costs on to customers in the form of low prices.
The supermarket believes in making every day amazing and that’s why every single day Aldi delivers on the best possible value for millions of families throughout the UK and Ireland across everything from award-winning fresh produce to world class gin.
Aldi won’t be beaten on price; consistently racks up award after award for quality; treats its suppliers with fairness and respect and recognises the responsibility of supporting valued institutions such as Team GB to demonstrate the importance of health and wellness. That’s Aldi. That’s everyday amazing. The reason they do this? Because Aldi believes that everyone should have access to fresh, healthy, affordable food…it’s a right, not a privilege.
 The company’s current achievements and initiatives include:

• Aldi is the UK’s lowest priced supermarket. Research released by Which? showed that Aldi is 19% cheaper, on average, than the Big Four supermarkets. It tracked the price of more than a hundred items at the UK’s eight biggest supermarkets throughout March 2020.
• Aldi has a five-year partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust – its fundraising target of £5m will go towards helping the trust to reach out to every young person with cancer in the UK. 
• Aldi’s rates of pay are significantly higher than the Government’s National Living Wage and also above the Living Wage Foundation’s recommended national rates. Store Assistants receive a minimum hourly rate of £9.40 nationally and £10.90 in London.
• Aldi is the official supermarket partner of Team GB and ensures every member of the team has access to fresh healthy Aldi food via monthly shopping vouchers, and that 1.2 million 5-14 year olds will learn about the benefits of cooking fresh, healthy food via its Get Set to Eat Fresh education initiative. Aldi has been a partner since 2015 and has extended its commitment to the 2024 Olympic games in Paris.
• In June 2019, for the sixth consecutive year, Aldi was ranked the best-performing supermarket for compliance with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice, underlining its commitment to maintaining fair, predictable and sustainable prices within its supply chain.

Full details of Aldi’s awards and achievements are detailed at www.aldi.co.uk/awards