SUPERMARKET group Aldi has unveiled ambitious plans to expand its Scottish presence in 2016.
The fast-growing discount retailer is set to open a further eight stores, bringing its total number in Scotland to 72.
Aldi has increased its capital investment in the Scottish store portfolio by over 40 per cent in the past three years.
With the new store openings the retailer’s employee count north of the Border will reach around 2,500 – an increase of 200 per cent since 2012.
In addition to investing in new stores and jobs, Aldi will continue to grow its range of Scottish-sourced products. Since 2013, it has increased the number of Scottish lines by 30 per cent and by the end of next year expects that number to grow by a further 10 per cent, resulting in a range which represents almost one-third of its Scottish sales value.
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.
“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.”
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