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| Aldi UK to launch online sales | Aldi UK to launch online sales |
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| Aldi UK has said it will launch online sales next year, as the company announced record annual sales in 2014. | Aldi UK has said it will launch online sales next year, as the company announced record annual sales in 2014. |
| The discount supermarket chain said it would start its online service by selling wine by the case, and then add non-food offers in the spring. | The discount supermarket chain said it would start its online service by selling wine by the case, and then add non-food offers in the spring. |
| Aldi said sales rose 31% to £6.9bn in the 12 months to 31 December, compared with £5.27bn the year before. | Aldi said sales rose 31% to £6.9bn in the 12 months to 31 December, compared with £5.27bn the year before. |
| However, it said increased investments "in prices and people" saw operating profits fall to £260.3m from £271.4m. | However, it said increased investments "in prices and people" saw operating profits fall to £260.3m from £271.4m. |
| The retailer, which currently operates 598 stores in the UK, also said it was "on track" to open 65 new stores this year. | The retailer, which currently operates 598 stores in the UK, also said it was "on track" to open 65 new stores this year. |
| For its online service, Aldi said it would offer customers home delivery and collection from third party locations. | For its online service, Aldi said it would offer customers home delivery and collection from third party locations. |
| Matthew Barnes, chief executive of Aldi UK & Ireland, said: "As the grocery market continues to evolve, our unique model, operational efficiency, private ownership and financial strength mean we're able to keep investing in our business - from people and presence to products and prices." | Matthew Barnes, chief executive of Aldi UK & Ireland, said: "As the grocery market continues to evolve, our unique model, operational efficiency, private ownership and financial strength mean we're able to keep investing in our business - from people and presence to products and prices." |
| Aldi and rival discount chain Lidl have been expanding rapidly in the UK in recent years, putting pressure on the "big four" UK supermarket chains - Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons. | |
| Aldi is the UK's sixth largest supermarket, according to analysts at Kantar Worldpanel, with a market share of 5.6% in the 12 weeks to 13 September. |