Discount supermarket chain Aldi has said it will kick on with its rapid expansion across Scotland next year with the opening of eight new stores, including one in Aberdeen.
The German retailer has increased its spending on stores north of the border by more than 40% in the past three years.
The eight new stores will boost Aldi’s Scottish portfolio to 72 outlets and its headcount to 2,500, up 200% since 2012.
The extra Aberdeen Aldi will be located in the Cornhill neighbourhood, while Annan, Glasgow, Newton Mearns, Polmont, Strathaven will also get new stores.
A further two will be opened in Edinburgh − one in Fruitmarket Place and another in Portobello.
Plans are also afoot to put more Scottish products on Aldi’s shelves.
Aldi has increased its domestically produced offering by 30% since 2013 – and the firm expects that to grow by a further 10% over the next 12 months.
In the past year, Aldi has inked new supply deals with Dean’s of Huntly for its shortbread and oat biscuit selections, and Montrose-based ready-to-cook vegetable company Stirfresh, among others.
And Aldi recently handed a contract worth £175,000 to Argo’s Bakery after the Orkney-based firm won the supermarket’s “next top product” competition with its caramel shortbread.
Richard Holloway, managing director of Aldi in Scotland, said: “Our business model in Scotland has always been about working with the best local producers to bring top quality products to our customers at everyday low prices.
“In the year ahead, we want to grow relationships with existing suppliers and cultivate new ones too.”
Aldi has been increasing its market share at the expanse of more established supermarket chains amid an ongoing price war.
Mr Holloway added: “There is no doubt that Aldi is growing in popularity across the UK, and Scotland is a significant success story in its own right.
“We’re retaining existing customers, and attracting new shoppers, due to the quality and value of the products on offer.
“With new stores opening next year, we’re looking forward to giving even more people the chance to switch to Aldi and save on their weekly shop.”