Aldi opens its first online shop

German discount chain Aldi is finally getting into e-commerce: in the United Kingdom, the discounter will offer boxes with 22 “essential” products online throughout the coronavirus epidemic.

Quarantine parcels

The primary objective of the online shopping service is to support consumers in high-risk groups during the pandemic. The supermarket chain offers a box containing 22 basic (non-refrigerated) products such as pasta, disinfectant soap and toilet paper, which customers can order online for home delivery.

The boxes are available on the retailer’s website and are priced at 24.99 pounds, including delivery. “We are committed to providing quick, safe and affordable access to food for all our customers and understand that, for some, visiting one of our stores is not an option at the moment“, corporate responsibility director Fritz Walleczek told Retail Gazette.

It had been rumoured for some time that Aldi was considering moving into online sales in several European markets, including Belgium, but the discounter had never acted on the rumour. In the United States, Aldi is already collaborating with Instacart for home delivery of groceries. As the coronavirus crisis rages and online food sales take off, at least in one market the German discounter realises it cannot afford to lag behind.