Is Aldi preparing for e-commerce?

Aldi Süd is working on a globally uniform and future-oriented IT landscape. The discounter is revamping all key business processes and laying the groundwork for online retail.

Uniform system

Aldi Süd, which has around 10,000 shops in 20 countries, is gradually rolling out a globally standardised IT system across its shop network. This global digitization is expected to involve an investment of approximately 1.5 billion euros. 

According to Lebensmittel Zeitung, the operation is intended to lay the foundations for a move into e-commerce. Aldi Süd said it was working on “suitable and market-driven solutions for all countries of the Aldi Süd Group to flexibly meet the omnichannel requirements of its markets.”

Until now, the Aldi management has always held off when it comes to e-commerce. The main argument was that delivering groceries would be loss-making. Meanwhile, in a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, the discounter has started with click & collect and delivery via external companies such as Deliveroo and Instacart. It may indicate that Aldi is reconsidering its position on online grocery shopping.

Aldi might also launch a loyalty app to compete with Lidl Plus, the successful app of its biggest rival.