EUROPE - Aldi has announced the intent of opening almost 60 new stores in the U.K., which will put its square-mile count for the year over that of competitors Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Tesco combined.

With over one million square-feet being added in total, the expanding company’s plans for growth this year double that of any other competitor individually. Fellow discount-style retailer Lidl has announced the intention to add 340,000 square feet this year, still twice the amount of Tesco’s planned annual expansion, according to The Guardian.

The infamous “Big Four” 2015 addition plans include:

• Asda - 600,000 square feet.
• Sainsbury’s - 450,000 square feet.
• Morrisons - 220,000 square feet.
• Tesco- 170,000 square feet.

According to a report by City A.M., the drastic move to grow is also following studies reflecting a change in consumer preference for smaller store shopping over big name brands and supermarket experiences.

Aldi is also looking into online delivery to accommodate consumers’ growing desire for online shopping, according to The Guardian. The report stated that Head of the U.K. Investment for Colliers, James Watson, told the Sunday Telegraph that traditional supermarkets have been undermined by the desire for smaller basket-based purchases combined with the growth of online grocery shopping.

While Watson stated that delivery actually doesn’t cover its own costs in Germany, about 5 percent of grocery shopping in the U.K. is done online, where Aldi would most likely introduce the concept if it decided to pursue it.

It appears to be an interesting year of possibilities for the expanding retailer.

Aldi