Aldi has joined its charity partner Freedom4Girls in urging more supermarkets to provide free period products in store toilets.
Julia Ashfield, chief commercial officer at the retailer and Tina Leslie MBE, founder of Freedom4Girls have written an joint letter to the chief executives of major UK supermarkets, asking them to make free period products available.
This comes as research, commissioned by the retailer, found that 67 per cent of UK shoppers believe supermarkets should provide free tampons and pads in customer toilets.
The study, which surveyed 2000 consumers, highlighted that two thirds of shoppers would be more likely to view that supermarket favourably if they did so.
It also showed that 75 per cent of respondents think period products should be treated as an “bathroom essential”, while 66 per cent think supermarkets have an “important” role to play in ensuring access to them.
The study also showed that 69 per cent of shoppers said it would aid people who unexpectedly come on their period while out and about. Some 58 per cent said it would help those who cannot afford products.
It also highlighted that 48 per cent reported it would reduce embarrassment around buying period products.
Related Story
This research comes after Aldi became the first supermarket in the UK to offer free period products in all staff and customer toilets in March 2025.
Julie Ashfield, chief commercial officer at Aldi UK, said: “Access to period products should be a basic right, not a privilege. That is why we made free period products available in our store toilets for customers and colleagues, with no questions asked.
“The latest research shows shoppers support supermarkets making period products more accessible. Together with Freedom4Girls, we’ve written to the chief executives of other major UK supermarkets, encouraging them to consider introducing free period products where facilities allow.
“This is a simple, practical step that could make a real difference to customers and colleagues across the country. These products are essential, and we believe making them freely available is the right thing to do.”
Tina Leslie MBE, founder of Freedom4Girls added: “Period poverty remains a huge issue in the UK, and we’re encouraged to see Aldi continuing to use its platform to push for wider change.
“Providing free period products in supermarket toilets is a practical way to help people access what they need discreetly and with dignity. We would welcome more retailers taking similar action to help tackle stigma, affordability and access.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
