Aldi will open more retail space this year than Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons combined, according to new research on the supermarket sector that highlights the dramatic rise of the discounters and changing shopper trends. .

Data published by the Telegraph from property research specialist IPD and property agent Colliers, shows that Aldi plans to open just over 1m sq. ft. of new retail space in 2015 with around 60 new outlets. Meanwhile, the major multiples are planning significantly less expansion as they focus on consolidating their positions and improving performance of existing outlets. For example Tesco is planning just 170,000 sq. ft. of new space, whilst Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are planning 450,000 sq. ft. and 220,000 sq. ft. respectively.

Asda has the greatest expansion plans amongst the Big Four, with 550,000 sq. ft. slated for the year. Meanwhile, discount rival Lidl plans to open 340,000 sq. ft.

The report said that a total of 3.9m sq. ft. of space will be opened in the grocery industry during 2015. However, just 29% will be large supermarket-sized stores, with smaller stores between 3,000 sq. ft. and 15,000 sq. ft. making up the bulk of openings (54%). A further 17% will be convenience stores.

James Watson, head of UK investment at Colliers, told the Telegraph that traditional supermarkets have been undermined by shoppers’ desire for smaller basket-based purchases combined with the growth of online grocery shopping. This has eroded the lucrative profits generated by big weekly trolley shops at larger stores