Supermarket chain Aldi has revealed plans to open 12 new stores across the UK before the end of this year.
The retailer said that it will open, on average, one new store a week between now and the end of the year.
After opening its 1,000th UK store in Woking last month, Aldi will open new stores in Taunton and Oldham this month.
Last week, the retailer opened three new stores in Slough, Torquay and Cannock.
The supermarket chain will also open stores in Farnborough and West Bridgford next month.
It will also add more stores in several other regions across the UK by this year's end.
Expanding its store network is part of Aldi’s long-term goal to have 1,500 stores in the UK.
The retailer is investing £1.4bn over the next two years to facilitate this expansion.
According to Aldi, each new store opening will generate approximately 40 new jobs on average for local communities.
The hourly pay of store assistants starts at £11.40 and London-based employees will receive £12.85 per hour.
Aldi UK real estate director George Brown said: “We’re welcoming more and more customers through our doors each week, which is why we’re investing in new stores up and down the country to bring our great value groceries to even more people and meet the growing demand for Aldi.
“Shoppers know they’ll always get more for their money when they shop with us and we’re confident Aldi’s success will continue to grow.”
Aldi reported that its operating profit increased to £178.7m ($218.65m) in the 12 months to December 2022, compared to £60.2m the prior year.