German discounter Aldi has unveiled plans for a major expansion across Britain in 2025, announcing a £650m investment that includes opening nine new stores within London's M25 as part of a £55m investment in the capital.

The supermarket chain aims to open approximately 30 new stores nationwide this year, with London locations including Wimbledon, Fulham Broadway, Caterham and Orpington. The expansion forms part of Aldi's long-term ambition to open 100 additional stores in London, potentially creating around 3,500 new jobs.

Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: "We strongly believe that everyone in Britain should have access to high quality food at our unbeatable Aldi prices. But we know that there are still thousands of shoppers in the capital that don't yet have access to an Aldi nearby."

The investment programme also includes upgrades to existing stores, such as an extension to its Colindale location in London. Beyond the capital, new stores are planned for Billericay in Essex and Cheadle in Stoke-on-Trent, following recent openings in locations including Totton in Hampshire and Cribbs Causeway in Bristol.

Giles Hurley, chief executive officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, explained the strategy: "The demand for our unbeatable prices is now at an all-time high, which gives us the confidence to continue investing in Britain to provide greater access to our award-winning products at the lowest prices."

The retailer, currently Britain's fourth-largest supermarket, has also recently increased pay for store colleagues to a minimum of £12.40 per hour nationally and £13.65 within the M25, marking their second pay rise this year.

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