Aldi, the popular discount supermarket chain, is turning to the public for help in finding the best locations for its upcoming store openings. The company has launched a new initiative called “Next New Store” that invites customers to suggest where they think Aldi should open new stores across Britain.

The initiative comes as Aldi looks to rapidly expand its footprint in the UK, with plans to open 35 new stores this year as part of a £550 million investment.

Aldi’s managing director of national real estate, Jonathan Neale, said the company wants to “make high-quality food accessible to all” and is seeking public input to identify areas that either don’t have an Aldi store or have potential for more.

Customers can submit their suggestions by emailing by May 31st. Aldi will then consider the areas with the most suggestions as prime locations for new store openings in the coming years.

This crowdsourcing approach is part of Aldi’s long-term goal of adding 500 more stores to its UK portfolio, bringing the total to 1,500 across the country.

The “Next New Store” initiative builds on Aldi’s recent efforts to accelerate its expansion. In March, the company said it was looking to open stores in priority locations across London and offered a finder’s fee for those who could help identify suitable sites.

Aldi has also revealed the locations of six new stores set to open in the coming months, including in Preston, Derby, and Bristol.2By tapping into the knowledge and preferences of its customers, Aldi hopes to ensure that its new stores are positioned in the areas that need them most. This collaborative approach aligns with the company’s mission to make high-quality, affordable groceries accessible to communities across the UK.