Aldi began in 1946, when brothers Karl and Theo Albrecht took over their mother's shop in Essen, Germany. The business later split into two groups, and Aldi Süd runs the British stores. Aldi opened its first UK shop in Stechford, Birmingham, in April 1990. Its UK company, Aldi Stores Limited, is based in Atherstone, Warwickshire, and Wikipedia now lists more than 1,100 stores across England, Scotland and Wales.
Most of what's on the shelves is Aldi's own brands. Nature's Pick covers fruit and veg, Ashfields is fresh meat, Specially Selected is the premium range, and Ambiano, SOHL and Lacura are among the names on household and beauty lines. Super 6 puts six fruit and veg lines on low prices and changes every two weeks. Super Weekly Offers concentrate on fresh meat and fish, and a Price Drops section lists products that have come down in price.
Specialbuys are the non-food lines in the middle aisle, from heaters and furniture to toys. New ones land every Thursday and Sunday, they're sold only in store, and once a line has gone it usually isn't restocked. The Aldi app has a shopping list, a stock checker, alerts and a barcode scanner, and Aldi gift cards can be sent by email or posted.