ALDI is looking to open new stores in Dudley, Stourbridge, Cradley Heath and Merry Hill as part of a major plan to grow its UK real estate over the next two years.

The supermarket has pledged to invest £1.3 billion and open 100 new stores across the UK by 2023 - with a host of them in the West Midlands.

Aldi is currently searching for freehold town-centre or edge-of-centre sites suitable for new stores - with locations in Dudley, Sedgley, Cradley Heath, Merry Hill and Stourbridge on the target list.

The supermarket giant, which has more than 920 UK stores, says it is on the lookout for sites big enough to accommodate a 20,000 sq ft store and around 100 parking spaces, preferably on a prominent main road and with good visibility and access.

Aldi will also be investing in the development of new and expanded distribution centres.

Richard Thornton, communications director at Aldi UK, said: “We’re continuing to gain even more customers - with over 60 per cent of UK households shopping with Aldi in the last year.

“Our focus is on expanding our store estate, making sure Aldi is accessible to as many of these new shoppers across the country as possible. Looking ahead, we are excited to provide millions of new customers with access to Aldi’s award-winning quality and unbeatable value as we create even more places and more ways to shop with us.”

The discount supermarket chain is also looking to open stores in Birmingham, Dorridge, Knowle, Solihull, Wednesbury, Wolverhampton, Aldridge, Bilston, Bloxwich, Walsall and Walsall Wood.