Retailer Aldi wants to open 20 new stores in Portugal by the end of 2022 and reach the mark of 200 units in the country in the coming years, according to a statement from the German company this Wednesday, June 29.

In the second half of the year, Aldi plans to open 20 stores in locations such as Matosinhos, Guimarães, Palmela (specifically in Quinta do Anjo) and Loulé. By the end of the year, for the new stores, the realist intends to hire 450 new employees.

Over the next few years, the German retailer from hard discount (business segment focused on offering lower prices) wants to reach 200 stores in Portugal, reinforcing its presence in the countryside and in urban centers after consolidating the network on the coast, the company said in the statement.

“Since it already has a strong presence along the entire coast of the country, one of Aldi’s goals is to expand into new regions in the interior, such as Lourinhã, Alcobaça, Viana do Castelo, Famalicão, Abrantes, Oliveira do Hospital or Beja ( …) On the other hand, and in order to give urban projects 2, it also intends to reinforce its offer in proximity centers”, announces Aldi.

Aldi has been present in Portugal since 2006 and currently has 108 stores in the country and around 2500 employees.