Aldi has announced plans to open 16 new stores across Britain in the coming months as the discount supermarket invests £370million in expanding its UK presence this year.
Shoppers in Watford, Hoxton in east London, Hattersley in Greater Manchester and Balsall Common in the West Midlands are among those set to gain access to new branches as part of the retailer's latest growth drive.
The German-owned supermarket currently operates more than 1,080 stores across the UK and has outlined long-term ambitions to increase that figure to 1,500 branches.
The latest wave of openings forms part of Aldi's strategy to extend its reach and bring its low-cost offering to more communities nationwide.
Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: "At Aldi, we're committed to making high-quality, affordable food accessible to everyone, which is why we continue to invest in expanding our store network across the UK.
"Our £370million investment in new stores this year will help us bring Aldi's unbeatable value to even more communities, supporting local economies through our industry-leading pay for colleagues."
Mr Neale said the investment reflects the supermarket's intention to reach shoppers who do not currently have an Aldi store nearby.
The retailer has identified several locations across England and Wales for the latest round of openings, with Greater Manchester set to gain stores in Hattersley and Wigan.
Aldi announces 16 new UK stores in £370million expansion drive
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The Isle of Wight is due to receive a branch in Newport, while another store is planned for Newport in south Wales.
London is set to see four new Aldi stores open in Hoxton, Orpington, Watford and Marble Arch.
Ashford in Kent and Rayleigh in Essex are also included in the latest expansion plans.
The West Midlands is scheduled to receive stores in Balsall Common and Sutton Coldfield.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Bishops Cleeve near Cheltenham, Malton in North Yorkshire, Port Talbot in Wales and Sudbury in Suffolk complete the list of planned openings
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Alongside the new stores, Aldi is refurbishing 25 existing branches this summer.
The upgrades will provide additional shopping space and introduce energy-saving features, including fridge doors designed to improve efficiency.
Selected stores will also benefit from refreshed bakery, health and beauty and fresh food sections.
Mr Neale said the improvements would create "even more convenient and efficient stores for both customers and colleagues" while supporting the retailer's sustainability ambitions.
The supermarket has also invested more than £200million in price reductions so far this year.
That total includes £60million in cuts introduced this week across a range of products, including fresh and frozen food as well as household essentials.
Full list of Aldi stores opening
- Hattersley, Greater Manchester
- Newport, Isle of Wight
- Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham
- Newport, South Wales
- Orpington, London
- Hoxton, London
- Ashford, Kent
- Watford, London
- Rayleigh, Essex
- Balsall Common, West Midlands
- Marble Arch, London
- Malton, North Yorkshire
- Port Talbot, Wales
- Sutton Coldfield, West London
- Wigan, Greater Manchester
- Sudbury, Suffolk
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