Aldi aims to open three more stores in south east London as the chain will invest £1.4 billion over the next two years.

In an annual trading update, the supermarket giant has revealed that it has attracted around one million extra customers in the last year.

Aldi opened its one thousandth store earlier this month and has said that it is committed to a long-term target of opening 1,500 stores in the UK.

This has prompted a hunt for new locations and Aldi is currently searching for sites in Beckenham, Sidcup and Lewisham.

Richard Thornton, Communications Director at Aldi UK, said: “We want to make our great value groceries accessible to all, and to do that we need more stores, particularly in towns and areas that don’t have an Aldi already.  

“The areas we’ve identified in our latest list are places where there is demand for stores and we are committed to continue investing until we can bring our quality products and unbeatable prices to as many people as possible.” 

A spokesperson for Aldi said: “Aldi is searching for freehold town-centre, edge-of-centre, and retail park sites suitable for property development.

“The sites should be able to accommodate a 20,000 sq foot store with around 100 parking spaces.

“Ideally, the location will be near a main road with good visibility and access. 

“The supermarket will also be investing in the development of new and expanded distribution centres, including its new distribution centre in Leicestershire.”