Tag: supermarkets

Edinburgh Shopper scoops over £600 for CHAS in festive edition of Aldi Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland’s much loved Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Edinburgh with a festive twist, and one lucky local winner spread some Christmas cheer by raising £606.18 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) while bagging the same amount in Aldi favourites for himself.

Aldi’s popular Supermarket Sweep, inspired by the legendary gameshow, arrived in Edinburgh on Sunday 14 December. Lucky shopper Tom Garrat, who was chosen as the winner of the competition, donned a Santa costume for his five-minute trolley dash for CHAS at the retailer’s Portobello store – where CHAS representatives got into the festive spirit dressed as elves.

As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Aldi Scotland matched the cash value of Tom’s haul, donating all proceeds to CHAS to help support over 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2025, every penny raised through the initiative has gone directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support.

Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Tom Garratt, said: “It was a pleasure to raise over £600 for CHAS with the help of Aldi.

“A special thanks to Sarah from CHAS for being my eyes and ears as I dashed through the aisles filling the trolleys!”

Sarah Dannfald, Senior Community Fundraiser, CHAS, said: “Turning up to Aldi’s Portobello store dressed as Santa and an Elf isn’t something you do every day, but the team there welcomed us like absolute stars.

“Tom’s fantastic effort in the Supermarket Sweep, along with the brilliant support from all the staff, brought so much festive fun and raised a wonderful amount for CHAS.

“Their generosity will help bring comfort, care and Christmas magic to the children and families we support all year round. We can’t thank them enough for getting behind us with such spirit and good humour!”

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Our first-ever festive edition of Supermarket Sweep has been such a good way to celebrate the season and spread some Christmas cheer, while also finishing a fantastic year of fundraising on a high. Congratulations to Tom, who raised an incredible £606.18 for CHAS while grabbing a bundle of Aldi favourites for himself.

“CHAS is an incredible organisation that does invaluable work for families across Scotland.

“We’re proud to support them and help raise as much as possible so they can continue to provide vital hospice care for children with life-shortening conditions, and unwavering support to families during the most difficult moments imaginable.”

Research reveals only one in four Edinburgh residents celebrate Saint Andrew’s Day

A national survey has revealed that just 25% of people in Edinburgh celebrate St Andrew’s Day, and at a national level almost four in ten (39%) Scots are unable to identify the date of St Andrew’s Day, highlighting a surprising gap in awareness surrounding the country’s patron saint.

The research by ScotPulse which was commissioned by Aldi Scotland, found that while most Scots recognise St Andrew’s Day as the country’s national day, many are unsure of the date, and even fewer mark the occasion.

Just one in four (26%) Scots say they celebrate St Andrew’s Day, held annually on 30 November, with confusion rife across the nation about what date it actually falls on. Some mistakenly believe it happens on 25 November (11%), 29 November (8%), with an additional 8% also believing it falls on 31 November – a date that doesn’t exist. Others mix it up with Burns Night in January.

The survey also found:

  • Women are more likely than men to know the correct date (64% vs 57%).
  • Younger Scots are the least likely to know what date it falls on, with just 43% of 16–34-year-olds answering correctly.

Aldi is a prominent champion of Scottish food and drink, and Scotland’s leading supermarket for locally sourced products. In October, it was named in the NFU Scotland’s ShelfWatch 2025 Mid-Year Report as the most prominent retailer to support Scottish produce, with 41% of its shelf stock now sourced locally.

In honour of its position as the nation’s most trusted supermarket of Scottish goods, the retailer is helping Scots to celebrate St Andrew’s Day this year with a feast including locally produced food and drink, which has all been approved by modern day Andrews.

After surveying hundreds of Andrews, Andys and Drews across Scotland on their favourite festive flavours, Aldi Scotland has revealed the results of its nationwide search for the “Andrew Approved Feast.”  

Following a social media vote, it was revealed that the most popular meal selection for St Andrew’s Day is:

  • Starter: Haggis Bon Bons with 52% of the votes
  • Main Course: Steak Pie with 66% of the votes
  • Side: Crispy roast tatties with 44% of the votes
  • Dessert: Scottish apple crumble with 42% of the votes
  • Drink: IRN BRU with 53% of the votes

Shoppers can pick up Aldi’s Andrew Approved Feast for less than a tenner, with the total cost coming to just £9.75:

  • Haggis Bon Bons: Specially Selected Haggis Bon Bons, 240g £2.29
  • Steak Pie: Frasers Small Top Crust Steak Pie, 400g £2.99
  • Crispy Roast Tatties: Scottish Baking Potatoes 4 pack, £0.79
  • Dessert: The Dessert Menu Bramley Apple Pie, 550g £2.99  
  • Drink: Vive Iron Brew 2L £0.69 

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland said: “St Andrews Day is a key moment in Scotland’s cultural calendar and gives Scots the chance to reflect on our history and traditions. We were surprised to see that so many Scots don’t know when St Andrew’s Day is, and that so few actually take the time to celebrate it.

“At Aldi Scotland, we truly believe we have some of the best food and drink in the world, and we are proud to be a champion of local producers.  

“St Andrew’s Day on 30 November is the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together, enjoy fantastic local food, raise a glass, and celebrate everything that makes Scotland such a special place.”

Tesco customers can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas

Tesco customers in Edinburgh have the opportunity to give new toys to local children who need it most this Christmas.

From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal, who will then distribute the toys to local children.

The Salvation Army has been fighting against social inequality and transforming lives for over 150 years and offer practical support and services to all who need them.

They hold food donation drive weekends within the Tesco Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore, and as well as collecting and distributing food to those in need, they also support the local community at Christmas by donating gifts and toys to the children of families that struggle daily, especially at Christmas time.

Catherine Potter, Store Manager at Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore, said: “We are absolutely delighted for this opportunity to support the Salvation Army with toy donations for the children in the local area.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone who is struggling and may need some extra assistance this festive season.”

Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco, said: “Our stores are committed to supporting local children and their communities year-round, and thanks to the generosity of our customers and colleagues, the annual toy donation campaign is a wonderful way to make a difference at Christmas.

“It’s great to see Tesco Edinburgh Hermiston Gait Superstore partnering with the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal this year to ensure that every child experiences the magic of Christmas.”

Over 800 large Tesco stores across the UK will have a dedicated toy donation point where customers can donate new, unwrapped toys purchased in store.

Last Christmas Tesco customers donated a total of 125,000 toys, with the retailer looking to beat that number this year.

Aldi deputy store manager celebrates 30 years of service

Aldi Livingston deputy store manager, Vikki Devlin, is marking an incredible milestone as she celebrates 30 years with the retailer. 

Vikki, 53, from Livingston, first joined Aldi in 1995 at the original Bathgate store, before transferring to the Livingston store on Almondvale Road in 1998.

Since then, she has become a familiar face to generations of customers, working her way up from Store Assistant to Deputy Store Manager and helping to shape the store’s welcoming, community atmosphere. 

Vikki joked: “I’ve spent my whole adult life at Aldi, my whole married life, my son’s whole life, I don’t really remember life before it!” 

Reflecting on her early days, Vikki said: “When I started, there were only two Aldi stores in Scotland, and I’d barely heard of it until my auntie told me about the one in Wishaw.

“The recruitment process was tough – we had to memorise a full price list and sit a test at the end of the week. If you remembered correctly, you were offered a job. Thankfully, I passed!” 

Over the years, Vikki has seen the Livingston store transform with two major extensions, new technology and countless memories made along the way.

“The changes have been incredible,” she said. “When I started, we were cash only and had to introduce a separate card area when they became the more common way to pay. Now we’ve got digital price cards, scanners and card tills, it’s a totally different world.” 

Vikki’s three decades with Aldi have been marked by enduring friendships and a real sense of family.

“I’ve made some lifelong friends who started as colleagues,” she said. “I’ve worked with Debbie for 23 years and Kevin has been my manager for 22 years.

“We’ve watched all our kids grow up together – it’s more like a family than colleagues. Our store is unusual in that so many people here have celebrated years of long service, and that’s definitely down to Kevin.

“He’s completely transformed the shop and the atmosphere.” 

Vikki’s warmth and care extend beyond her team to the customers she serves. “There’s one couple, Nan and Davie, who I’ve served my whole career, and now I serve their three daughters too. I always say they’re my adopted parents! I even get them Christmas presents,” she said.

“Some customers will queue just to come to my till, and I get birthday cards and pictures from their kids. It’s those moments that make the job so rewarding and special.” 

Having been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis eight years ago, Vikki says the support from her colleagues has been “tremendous”. “They help me with day-to-day things like setting up the till and are always looking out for me. It’s that kind of support that makes Aldi such a special place to work.” 

Over the years, Vikki has also played a big part in supporting and training younger team members. “I’ve helped to train lots of young apprentices who had 101 questions,” she laughed. “Now some of them are managing their own stores across the country.”  

Kevin Regan, Store Manager, Aldi Livingston said: “Vikki is the heart of this store. Her warmth, humour and kindness shine through every day, whether she’s supporting a colleague or chatting with customers at the till.  

“She’s been a fantastic role model to everyone who’s worked alongside her and has made a real difference to our store and our community. We’re so proud of her and delighted to celebrate this incredible 30-year milestone.” 

Ian Murray hails South Edinburgh supermarkets’ firework sales ban

Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray has written to all the supermarkets in South Edinburgh – and they’ve agreed to stop selling fireworks for this bonfire night following last year’s disorder. 

Ian Murray explained: “Last year, many got in touch with me after the shocking scenes of fireworks disorder in our community.

“Homes and businesses were attacked, people were left frightened in their own neighbourhoods, and our emergency services were put in danger. This is why I welcome the decision by supermarkets to refrain from selling fireworks this year.

“I’m pleased that following my letter to local supermarkets, all the major stores in Edinburgh South have confirmed they will not be selling fireworks this year.

“This is a big step that will help reduce local availability and make Halloween and Bonfire Night safer for everyone, and builds on wider work across the city by Dr Scott Arthur MP in reducing firework availability.

“This is on top of new Firework Control Zones in Gilmerton and Moredun, dispersal orders to tackle anti-social behaviour, and extra police resources. The Council will also be clearing away wood and materials that could be used for illegal bonfires.

“There’s still more to do, and I’ll keep pressing the Scottish Government to give our police the resources they need. But this is real progress.

“If you have any concerns in the coming weeks, please get in touch.”

Calling all Little Monsters: ALDI invites chldren in Edinburgh to get creative this Halloween

This Halloween, Aldi is calling on children in Edinburgh to get creative by sharing their best pumpkin designs.

Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket is inviting children aged 5–14 in Edinburgh to submit pictures of their spooktacular designs for the chance to win a Halloween-themed hamper filled with seasonal treats including frightfully fun crafts and deadly decorations.

Three winning designs from across the country will be chosen, including one in Scotland, England and Wales, with each receiving a hamper to share with friends and family in time for the spooky season.

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “This competition is a brilliant way to spark children’s imagination and keep them entertained this Halloween.

“At Aldi, we love helping families come together to celebrate seasonal festivities and we can’t wait to see the amazing designs that children come up with – the spookier the better!”

Entries opened Tuesday 14th October 2025 and close Thursday 23rd October 2025. Parents and guardians can submit a photo of their child’s pumpkin via email to pumpkincompetition@aldi.co.uk.

For more information and T&Cs, visit https://www.aldipresscentre.co.uk/terms-and-conditions-for-aldis-design-a-pumpkin-competition-the-competition/

Aldi has everything customers could need to celebrate this Halloween including a range of freakishly fun decorations and pumpkins from just 50p.

Co-op Corner Café pops up to celebrate the power of community and co-operation amid high street decline

  • Co-op Corner Café will open at Coffee Saints, 2a Little King St, Edinburgh EH1 3AR on Thursday 16th October 09.30 – 17.00
  • New YouGov research for the Co-op reveals:
    • 76% of people in Scotland say that their local high street has declined over the last few years
    • 4 in 5 believe their community “would lose part of its identity” without local shops

Co-op is bringing its special blend of co-operation and community to Edinburgh on Thursday 16th October with the pop up of the Co-op Corner Café.

Hosted at Coffee Saints on Little King Street, the event invites members and the wider public to discover how co-operation can help revitalise local high streets and strengthen community spirit.  

Part of Co-op’s On Your Corner, In Your Corner campaign, the event will be packed with fun and engaging activities, designed to spark conversations about the benefits of co-operatives and the role of local businesses in creating thriving neighbourhoods and helping the people that live there thrive too.

Open to both members and non-members, there will be the opportunity to understand more about the wide-ranging social, economic and ownership benefits of membership and how it shapes the future of the Co-op.

Guests can enjoy free Fairtrade tea and coffee, sample and feedback on new food innovations and even enter to win tickets to a hamper.

The event will also spotlight local and community-owned businesses including Scotmid Co-op, West Granton Housing Co-op and West Calder and Harburn Community Development Trust, showing how businesses built on shared values can deliver positive change.

Co-op’s own team members will be in attendance, including Jess Clarke, Democratic Services & Engagement Manager. Jess said: “I’m really looking forward to meeting our members and the wider community in Edinburgh.

“Being at the heart of local life is a real privilege and we want to show how co-operation can help address some of the challenges facing high streets today. It’s sure to be a fun and thought-provoking day – and a great chance for members to tell us how we can do even more to support Edinburgh’s communities.”

On Your Corner, In Your Corner is part of Co-op’s Social Value Strategy – a commitment led by 6.9 million active member-owners to stand firm on climate, opportunity and community.

Since 2016, the Co-op Local Community Fund has shared over £480,000 with 216 community projects across the City of Edinburgh, supporting people to connect, access opportunities and thrive together.

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back 180 years. Its members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation.

Co-op is on track to its ambition of growing to eight million members by 2030.

Further information about the benefits of Co-op Membership is available at coop.co.uk/membership

For more information about the pop-up cafés and to find local events, visit coopmemberevents.uk

Aldi rolls out in-store Reduction Zones in Edinburgh stores

Aldi is rolling out new dedicated reduction zones in stores across Edinburgh, making it even easier for shoppers to find fresh food bargains.

These clearly marked areas will feature discounted bread, fresh produce, and other perishable items nearing their use-by date – helping customers to save even more money while reducing food waste.

The move is part of Aldi’s ongoing commitment to making high-quality food more affordable, while tackling unnecessary waste in its operations.

Items are discounted throughout the day, offering shoppers the chance to save on products that might otherwise go unsold.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “Our customers already know they can rely on us to provide unbeatable value, but our new reduction areas will make it even easier to pick up a last-minute bargain.

“By creating dedicated reduction zones in store we’re helping point shoppers towards quality food at cheaper prices, all while cutting down on food waste.”

Aldi separately partners with community giving platform Neighbourly to donate surplus food from all its UK stores every day.

The supermarket also works with Too Good To Go to sell Surprise Bags that contain a range of Aldi products that are approaching their sell-by date.

Tesco extends national Fruit & Veg for Schools programme in Edinburgh

More than 500 schools across the UK set to receive free fruit & veg

  • Scheme will give thousands of young people fruit and vegetables every day at school
  • Last academic year (24/25), around 140,000 children were supported with over 10 million portions of fruit & veg

Tesco has announced that its Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, developed in partnership with the British Nutrition Foundation, is to be expanded for another year to reach even more schools across the UK.

For the whole of the next academic year (2025/2026), free fruit and veg from local Tesco stores will give children in more than 500 schools a nutritious boost that they might not ordinarily get.

The Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools programme launched in September 2024 as part of the supermarket’s Stronger Starts funding and community support for children. 

The second year of funding will continue to be specifically targeted in areas where the proportion of pupils receiving free school meals is above 50%. The focus on areas with higher free school meal participation is particularly important because data shows that families on lower incomes struggle to afford a healthy diet.  

Only 12% of children aged between 11 and 18 are meeting the five-a-day recommendation and for children taking part in the scheme, Tesco expects to see their overall fruit and veg intake increase by 23%, based on the average five-a-day intakes in school-aged children. 

The schools taking part in the scheme will be able to shop for the fruit and veg the school needs in stores local to their school. 

Most popular fruits in year one, were:

1.  Apples (225,585kg)

2. Bananas (108,602kg)

3. Oranges (92,597kg)

4. Grapes (39,771kg)

5. Strawberries (37,735kg)

Ashwin Prasad, Tesco UK CEO, commented: “Schools have told us what a positive impact the Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools programme has made on their children, so we are delighted we are able to support even more schools in year two.

“The first year of our programme has been a huge success and by expanding it we can ensure that even more young people in some of the most challenged communities in the UK get access to more fruit and veg.”

Astral Blanchard, Head Teacher at Twerton Infant School in Bath, said: “The Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools programme has given our children the opportunity to try so many new fruit and vegetables, while also helping us build healthy eating into a valuable part of our daily routine.

“Snack time is now a calm and enjoyable moment where we read stories, talk about flavours and explore new tastes together in ways we hadn’t before.

“Children are helping to prepare the fruit, trying things they’ve never eaten, and even asking for fruit and vegetables at home. It has been a joy to see their curiosity grow and their enthusiasm for healthy eating thrive.”

Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: “Tesco’s Fruit & Veg for Schools programme has helped to improve the diets of our young people by helping them get more of their five a day, try new varieties and develop healthy habits that we hope will stay with them through life.

“We’re delighted to see the programme expanded to provide daily fruit and vegetables to even more children who might not normally be able to access them.”

Edinburgh Tesco stores put best feet forward to help raise more than £8,000 at charity kiltwalk 

Team members from Tesco stores across Edinburgh recently trekked more than 20 miles to raise more than £1,700 towards several charities such as Big Hearts Community Trust and The Corstorphine Dementia Project at this year’s Edinburgh Kiltwalk.

Colleagues from 13 Tesco stores across East Scotland, laced up their walking boots and donned kilts to take on the route from Holyrood Park, through the capital, to the finish line at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday 13 September.

Together, all participants from across the region raised more than £8,000, supporting a wide range of charities and community causes throughout Scotland.

Since 2016, the Kiltwalk has brought together over 178,000 people, raising millions for good causes across the country.

Brian Costello, Store Manager at the Costorphine store, said: “I’m extremely proud of my team for going the extra mile to raise funds for causes such as The Corstorphine Dementia Project, which is such an important cause here in Edinburgh.

“It was an incredible group effort, and really inspiring to see so many of our partner stores taking part on the day to support the communities they serve.”