Aldi could begin employing workers from collapsed retail chain Wilko and take over its stores as part of its ongoing store expansion drive.
The German grocer is set to create more than 20,000 jobs as it targets another 500 store openings to take the total to 1,500 sites.
Speaking to the Mirror, UK and Ireland chief executive Giles Hurley said it could use Wilko stores and employ its old staff.
When the title asked if he was eyeing up the stores, Thurley said: “Clearly, with an ambitious target of 1,500 stores, we will look at all the opportunities. It comes down to the availability and suitability.”
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Following the news of Wilko’s collapse last month, Aldi called for staff affected by the news to get in touch, with over 6,000 jobs currently available across its UK stores.
Aldi hopes to offer these long-term retail roles to those who have lost their jobs, with a range of positions available from store assistant and caretaker to store manager.
B&M snapped up 51 Wilko stores earlier this week, and the discount retailer revealed it will be closing 52 stores, making more than 1,300 staff redundant as talks continue with potential buyers for the remainder of the business.
Administrator PwC said it was “actively working with potential buyers”, however the 52 stores set to close “do not form part of any ongoing interest in the Wilko store portfolio”.
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