Aldi South Group is testing a globally unified store format across its international markets, but has confirmed no decisions have been taken on any wider rollout in the UK.

According to Retail Gazette, the concept has been developed by Landini Associates, marking the conclusion of a 14-year partnership between the design consultancy and the discount grocer. The initiative is intended to introduce greater consistency across Aldi South’s estate while allowing for local adaptation.

Trials of the format began in Aventura, Florida, in September 2025 and have continued across the US into 2026. Aldi said local teams in its other territories, including the UK and Ireland, will begin refining the concept from the second quarter of 2026 as part of an evaluation phase.

Aldi told Retail Systems that no decisions have been taken on any broader rollout of the format in the UK, clarifying the status of the project in one of its key European markets. The retailer indicated that any future changes would depend on the outcome of ongoing trials and local assessments.

According to Landini Associates, the format has been designed as a modular system that can be adapted across different store sizes and building types in Aldi South’s five territories: the US, Australia, Germany, Hofer markets and the UK and Ireland. The consultancy said the model is “modularly adaptable for different store formats and building types”.

The project was overseen by Aldi South Group’s International Real Estate Committee, led by Aldi US and managed day to day by Aldi Australia, with input from each territory. This governance structure reflects an effort to coordinate global standards while incorporating regional requirements.

The partnership between Aldi South and Landini Associates began with a redesign of Aldi Australia’s format and has since included projects such as the retailer’s China market entry model and smaller convenience formats.

---