Aldi asks Sunderland shoppers if and where they would like more stores in Wearside

Supermarket chain Aldi is asking the public where it should put new stores in this area. It is part of the company's nationwide scheme to “pinpoint prime locations”.

The UK’s fourth-biggest supermarket, wants to know "where in Britain needs new Aldi stores most".

The areas which gather the most suggestions will then be considered as part a mission to build hundreds of new stores across Britain.

Lower cost supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl have undergone rapid expansion in recent years, with shoppers switching stores amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The retailer currently has more than 1,000 stores including six in Sunderland, one in Seaham and another in Peterlee. The aim is to eventually have is more than 1,500 stores across the UK.

Aldi has submitted a planning application to Sunderland City Council for land at Philadelphia Lane, between Shiney Row and Newbottle.

In February the council’s Planning and Highways Committee approved another outlet on Colliery Lane, Hetton.

The council has also approved plans for a new Tesco Express store at Market Square in Sunderland city centre.

Jonathan Neale, managing director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “We want to make high quality food accessible to all, but there are still some areas that either don’t have an Aldi or have potential for more stores.

“We’ve identified some key places where there is demand for more stores already, but now we are calling on the public to share their views. This will be used to help inform our property search over the coming years.”

Anyone wanting to highlight a demand for a store in their area should email [email protected], stating their postcode and why they believe their area needs one.

Aldi wants suggestions by May 31 and plans to announce the results and its latest priority "wish list" later in 2024.

For more information on Aldi’s nationwide site requirements, visit their website.