Aldi opens earlier from Sunday – this is how they are transforming their stores

Rising food prices and discounts

According to Haider, rising food prices are mainly driven by higher energy costs, product fees, and labor costs that increase supplier prices. While producers and processors have maintained profitability, retailers’ margins have worsened. Aldi is trying to ease the burden on customers: from September, shoppers using a pensioner food voucher will receive an additional HUF 1,000 coupon, and more than 150 products will be permanently discounted.

New store concept and openings

The new concept can already be seen in the Üllő store: easier navigation, a larger fresh produce section, expanded refrigerators and freezers, and wider aisles. The non-food assortment is shrinking, while the food offering is expanding. The concept is being tested in five stores, three of which have already been completed. By the end of the year, Aldi’s 185th Hungarian store will open in Eger, with further expansion on the agenda – although the “plázastop” law and demographic changes slow down growth.

Mohu, Mere and market challenges

In the debate over the bottle return system, Haider said that the handling fee unilaterally reduced by Mohu would mean a loss of nearly HUF 1 billion per year, further worsened by the retail surtax. Regarding the possible entry of Russian discounter Mere, he stressed that competing with discount chains that have half a century of operational experience and nationwide coverage will be extremely difficult.

New opening hours

From mid-September, Aldi will open its stores at 7 a.m. on Sundays, one hour earlier than before. The decision was based on customer feedback: many shoppers want to shop before weekend programs or Sunday work. The Sunday assortment will remain complete, with fresh produce and bakery items available from opening. Stores will close at 7 p.m. nationwide.

Salaries and pay raises

Aldi employs nearly 5,000 people in food retail and logistics, and another 1,000 in IT services. Entry-level store employees earn a gross monthly salary of HUF 521,000, rising to HUF 541,000 after one year, with a maximum of HUF 721,800 possible in this position. Store managers start close to HUF 1 million gross, with a maximum of HUF 1.5 million. At Aldi International IT Services Kft., entry-level salaries are around HUF 650,000. From January, Aldi implemented a general 8% pay raise (6.5% in IT), and the next increase will be decided at year’s end.

Lidl, imports and Hungarian suppliers

According to Haider, Lidl owes its leading market position in Hungary mainly to entering the market earlier. Aldi started in 2008 during the financial crisis but has since reached the mid-tier among competitors. Imports are often worthwhile because, even with transport costs, they can be cheaper than domestic products. However, Aldi’s permanent fresh meat assortment is 100% Hungarian, seasonal fruit and vegetables reach 70% domestic sourcing in summer, and overall, two-thirds of Aldi’s product range comes from Hungarian suppliers. Haider emphasized that Hungarian agriculture can only succeed if it exports processed products instead of raw materials – and Aldi can support this by promoting Hungarian products abroad.