Major Supermarket Chains Announce Significant UK Expansion for 2026
In a substantial boost to the retail sector, leading supermarket chains including Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Lidl, and Aldi have revealed plans to open 54 new stores across the United Kingdom in 2026. This expansion initiative aims to improve grocery accessibility and customer service in numerous communities, with The Co-op also joining the wave by announcing additional new locations.
Executive Insights on Strategic Growth
Nick Johnson, Tesco's group property director, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming year, stating, "We are hugely excited about the year ahead and looking forward to meeting our customers where they are with great quality, exceptional value and brilliant customer service." This sentiment underscores Tesco's commitment to enhancing its presence in key areas.
Alex Freudmann, managing director at M&S Food, highlighted the confidence derived from strong performance, noting, "The strong performance of our new M&S food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK, from Elgin to Exmouth." He added that with over twenty stores opening or being modernised by the end of the financial year, M&S is accelerating its expansion to deliver optimal shopping experiences.
Giles Hurley, chief executive officer at Aldi UK and Ireland, emphasised the company's mission, saying, "Our unwavering commitment is to make high-quality, affordable groceries accessible to everybody." He explained that the 2026 expansion targets areas currently without an Aldi, aligning with the long-term goal of reaching 1,500 UK stores.
Comprehensive List of New Store Openings
The full list of supermarkets set to open in 2026 includes a diverse range of locations, ensuring widespread coverage:
- Tesco Express: Kensington High Street, London; Hounslow, London; Moorgate, London; Aldgate East, London; Wembley, London; Bickington, Devon; Pontrhydyrun, Torfaen; Strabane, County Tyrone; Wallyford, East Lothian.
- Tesco Superstores: Pitlochry, Scotland; Heartlands, Scotland.
- Aldi: Southam, Warwickshire; Hastings, East Sussex; Amersham, Buckinghamshire.
- Lidl: Basildon, Laindon; Birmingham, Kingstanding; Brough, Welton Road; Burntwood; Calne; Chester, Caldy Valley Rd; Dereham; Havant, Purbrook Way; Hereford, Belmont Road; Horley; Hucknall, Watnall Rd; London, Stamford Hill; London, Walworth Road; Reading, Tilehurst; Royal Wootton Bassett; Salisbury, Churchill Way West; Sandford; Sutton High Street; Tring.
- Marks and Spencer: Farnham, Surrey; Goldalming, Surrey; Northampton, Northamptonshire.
- Co-op: Ealing, London; Didcot, Kilburn Place, Oxfordshire; Eastern Green, Coventry, West Midlands; Cove, Fernhill Road, Hampshire; Totton, Southampton, Hampshire; Deal, Kent; Killearn, Main Street, Stirling, Scotland; Farnsfield, Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire; Sidmouth, Devon; Straits Parade, Fishponds, Bristol; Saltdean, Lustrells Vale, Brighton, East Sussex; Westgate, Skelmersdale, Lancashire; Marske, High Street, North Yorkshire; Worle, High Street, Somerset; Tarbert, Argyll, Scotland; Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire; Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire; Cuckfield, Whitemans Green, West Sussex.
This expansion reflects a broader trend in the retail industry, with supermarkets investing heavily to meet evolving consumer demands and fill geographical gaps in service provision. The move is expected to create jobs, boost local economies, and provide residents with more convenient access to essential goods.
