Would anyone share opinions, etc. about ALDI Food Market? One is opening near me on the last patch of wetland that existed along Rt 1. Thank you
ALDI Food Market
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Only that I hate it being called "ALDI's"!!!!
Otherwise I am not in the habit of shopping there as much as my late-mom LOVED ALDI and bought EVERYTHING at our local one (and she and the company are both German, so that might explain!)...
My dad still carries on shopping there "in her memory" and that he likes ALDI, too...
-- Dave
Otherwise I am not in the habit of shopping there as much as my late-mom LOVED ALDI and bought EVERYTHING at our local one (and she and the company are both German, so that might explain!)...
My dad still carries on shopping there "in her memory" and that he likes ALDI, too...
-- Dave
It's an interesting concept ...
... that's catching on, even among the upper middle class looking to save money.
Some of the packaged "generic" type products are actually healthier than the major name brands, since they produce in significantly smaller quantities and therefore don't have as much of an incentive to cheap out with chemical ingredients (their graham crackers, for instance, if I recall correctly, were made with real brown sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and caramel color, and ironically cost less!).
However, you won't find organic produce, meats, or dairy products; all those will be among the typically terrible crap you'll find in regular grocery stores, loaded with hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides.
... that's catching on, even among the upper middle class looking to save money.
Some of the packaged "generic" type products are actually healthier than the major name brands, since they produce in significantly smaller quantities and therefore don't have as much of an incentive to cheap out with chemical ingredients (their graham crackers, for instance, if I recall correctly, were made with real brown sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and caramel color, and ironically cost less!).
However, you won't find organic produce, meats, or dairy products; all those will be among the typically terrible crap you'll find in regular grocery stores, loaded with hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides.
aquacycle
Well-known member
Similar story in the UK. Aldi is becoming increasingly popular for good quality products at value prices. I've been shopping at Aldi for a long time now and I love it.
Is it an Aldi Nord (blue and red logo) or Aldi Süd (blue and yellow logo) that is opening near you?
www.dailymail.co.uk
Is it an Aldi Nord (blue and red logo) or Aldi Süd (blue and yellow logo) that is opening near you?
The REAL reason middle-class mums love Aldi (and it's nothing to do with award-winning tea bags and bacon... but everything to do with the booze aisle)
Aldi came top in taste taste of own brand goods from trade magazine the Grocer, beating both Waitrose and Marks and Spencer. Shoppers could save £1,700 a year shopping at Aldi instead of Waitrose, which is 40 per cent more expensive.
ALDI's
We don't have them here yet; just TJ's, which is ALDI-owned.
As for the possessive, you might have to get used to it. In these parts, Lucky stores, which have been around since the 40's at least, are commonly referred to as Lucky's. Some people are bothered by it. I think it's because so many grocery chains end in 's: Albertson's, Lunardi's, Fry's, Von's, Fazio's, Andronico's, Draeger's, Zanotto's . . . that's just off the top of my head, and some of them don't exist anymore, but you get the idea.
We don't have them here yet; just TJ's, which is ALDI-owned.
As for the possessive, you might have to get used to it. In these parts, Lucky stores, which have been around since the 40's at least, are commonly referred to as Lucky's. Some people are bothered by it. I think it's because so many grocery chains end in 's: Albertson's, Lunardi's, Fry's, Von's, Fazio's, Andronico's, Draeger's, Zanotto's . . . that's just off the top of my head, and some of them don't exist anymore, but you get the idea.
Is this
a different "concept" from the standard Aldi?
I wish I liked to shop at Aldi more. I do not like to shop there. I dislike the one closest to me, and I dislike the lack of choice in package size. I don't usually need packages which feed 1500. Yes, I know that usually the larger the package (!) the lower the cost per portion, but at least with perishables, there's a matter of waste.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
a different "concept" from the standard Aldi?
I wish I liked to shop at Aldi more. I do not like to shop there. I dislike the one closest to me, and I dislike the lack of choice in package size. I don't usually need packages which feed 1500. Yes, I know that usually the larger the package (!) the lower the cost per portion, but at least with perishables, there's a matter of waste.
Lawrence/Maytagbear
That is one thing I like: The Creative Names for otherwise Generic brand of the store's line of products (which Save-A-Lot is also famous for)...!
Otherwise, in spite of both of these retailers near by me, I seldom shop at either, other than the occasional one item I need in a pinch for convenience...!
I work at Walmart & must admit that I do find what I need there & at the right quality & price, though the Spartan store near my dad's carries my "real deal FATBACK" that I'm unable to find anywhere else...
And then last night when it was closed & I was miles away from work, there was at least my local KROGER, where I got my Kraft Honey Bar-B-Q sauce (a small bottle) that I suddenly realized I needed for last night's pork...!
-- Dave
Otherwise, in spite of both of these retailers near by me, I seldom shop at either, other than the occasional one item I need in a pinch for convenience...!
I work at Walmart & must admit that I do find what I need there & at the right quality & price, though the Spartan store near my dad's carries my "real deal FATBACK" that I'm unable to find anywhere else...
And then last night when it was closed & I was miles away from work, there was at least my local KROGER, where I got my Kraft Honey Bar-B-Q sauce (a small bottle) that I suddenly realized I needed for last night's pork...!
-- Dave
Aldi operates much like Trader Joe's, if you are familiar with that chain. There is the occasional name-brand product, but they prefer to private label most everything. Some of that is very good, some mediocre.
It is interesting when you can figure out products are exactly from the same vendor at both stores. For example, both carry bags of frozen, slender green beans imported from France. Those are excellent and a good value. I haven't been able to find these anyplace else in town.
Both carry bags of butter lettuce that I think are a good value, and they seem to be sourced from the same company.
Aldi also imports certain items from Germany that I like, such as certain varieties of coffee (a "house blend," for example) and chocolate.
We've discussed their laundry detergent here before, and I think what is sold in the US is sourced locally (not imported from Europe). Reviews of the local version haven't encouraged me to try it.
It is interesting when you can figure out products are exactly from the same vendor at both stores. For example, both carry bags of frozen, slender green beans imported from France. Those are excellent and a good value. I haven't been able to find these anyplace else in town.
Both carry bags of butter lettuce that I think are a good value, and they seem to be sourced from the same company.
Aldi also imports certain items from Germany that I like, such as certain varieties of coffee (a "house blend," for example) and chocolate.
We've discussed their laundry detergent here before, and I think what is sold in the US is sourced locally (not imported from Europe). Reviews of the local version haven't encouraged me to try it.
There's a reason for that
Trader Joe's and Aldi are different divisions of the same company.
L/Mb
Trader Joe's and Aldi are different divisions of the same company.
L/Mb
verizonbear
Well-known member
Aldi and Trader Joes same company
I do "basic" grocery shopping at Aldi, just avoid going around the the first of the month. They are the same company as trader joes so will see on occasion some more "fancy" fare close to a holiday. Remember to bring a quarter for the shopping cart and bags. Those big blue bags from ikea work well.
I do "basic" grocery shopping at Aldi, just avoid going around the the first of the month. They are the same company as trader joes so will see on occasion some more "fancy" fare close to a holiday. Remember to bring a quarter for the shopping cart and bags. Those big blue bags from ikea work well.
Shop at Aldi every week. One just went in close t my sister in Orlando, Fla. and when they were visiting this summer she said I don't think there food is as good as Publix. All the while eating dinner with us. We opened up cabinets and showed her all the Aldi product and names. She is now an Aldi shopper.
whirlcool
Well-known member
When we left Chicago in 1979 Aldi was just getting started there. The store was simple. No signs, no shelves everything was stacked on boxes on the floor. The building and even the floor tiles were the same as the smaller Aldi stores in Germany. You paid by cash only, no checks or credit cards.
Here in Houston Aldi opened up last March. Same store style as in Chicago but this one has limited shelving and a lot larger selection of items. About 60% of the good come from Europe.
However, Houston is a very hot grocery market and our prices are already really lower than the national average. So Aldi prices may be within pennies or a nickel of what the name brand grocery stores carry. They also carry beer & wine which I have never seen in an Aldi before.
You never see a full parking lot at Aldi. We went in the first month it opened and there was a large crowd near the front door. I thought the store was crowded, nope it was because so many people were trying to figure out how the shopping carts worked with the quarters to release them! I figured it out. When you approach the store find someone with an empty cart and just give them a quarter for their cart.
I've never had anyone turn me down yet!
The downside is that when you are in Aldi you get the feeling that you are in a public assistance food pantry. The lighting in the store is not all that bright, all the signs are in Spanish even though we don't have that many hispanics in our area. It's kind of depressing, especially when you see slots on the shelves where things have sold out. And selection is not all that great. If you want an item, it's going to be one brand only and no selection of size. And Aldi stores here are only open 10am - 9pm. Most grocery stores here are open 6a-12midnight if they are not 24 hour operation.
But at least the checkout girls are very friendly and helpful. And this Aldi takes debit cards too.
Here in Houston Aldi opened up last March. Same store style as in Chicago but this one has limited shelving and a lot larger selection of items. About 60% of the good come from Europe.
However, Houston is a very hot grocery market and our prices are already really lower than the national average. So Aldi prices may be within pennies or a nickel of what the name brand grocery stores carry. They also carry beer & wine which I have never seen in an Aldi before.
You never see a full parking lot at Aldi. We went in the first month it opened and there was a large crowd near the front door. I thought the store was crowded, nope it was because so many people were trying to figure out how the shopping carts worked with the quarters to release them! I figured it out. When you approach the store find someone with an empty cart and just give them a quarter for their cart.
I've never had anyone turn me down yet!
The downside is that when you are in Aldi you get the feeling that you are in a public assistance food pantry. The lighting in the store is not all that bright, all the signs are in Spanish even though we don't have that many hispanics in our area. It's kind of depressing, especially when you see slots on the shelves where things have sold out. And selection is not all that great. If you want an item, it's going to be one brand only and no selection of size. And Aldi stores here are only open 10am - 9pm. Most grocery stores here are open 6a-12midnight if they are not 24 hour operation.
But at least the checkout girls are very friendly and helpful. And this Aldi takes debit cards too.
iheartmaytag
Well-known member
I shop at Aldi quite often. They are a great place to stock up on canned goods. Though most of the canned items are what would probably be called seconds, or ends and pieces the prices are good, but you can buy store brands at Kroger sometimes cheaper.
Aldi double guarantees their items, and have rarely had something that was sub quality. Some name brand items in the fresh dairy and meats, like I said I prefer to stock up canned items.
The stores are often (most of the time) understaffed and employees are required to stock, shelve, clean and check-out. Rare that you see the same employee more than twice as I understand the burn out rate is high. Though not my main grocery store, I am happy with my purchases and feel I get a good value.
Aldi double guarantees their items, and have rarely had something that was sub quality. Some name brand items in the fresh dairy and meats, like I said I prefer to stock up canned items.
The stores are often (most of the time) understaffed and employees are required to stock, shelve, clean and check-out. Rare that you see the same employee more than twice as I understand the burn out rate is high. Though not my main grocery store, I am happy with my purchases and feel I get a good value.
<span style="font-size: medium;">I shop often in Aldi. Their prices are cheap. Not a huge variety. Good for basic stuff. They mostly carry their store brand. Some of it quite good, others pretty awful. Products I have bought imported from Deutschland are very good. Unfortunately they tend to vanish from shelves for months at a time. I don't bother with their shopping carts. I just "borrow" one from Costco next door. </span>
I have 3 around me.....and practically live there...or at least shop there first, then Save a Lot, then to ShopRite.....
granted they are now selling Tide liquid, I buy their Tandil in the orange bottle with the blue lid, non HE version, it is TIDE, same cleaning and scent....love it...for only 6.99....
but well worth shopping for standard goods, frozen foods, bread, soda and fresh veggies.....even Milk is a dollar cheaper than a regular store, that alone is worth it...
where else can you spend 50.00 and fill a shopping cart up and almost overflowing?
granted they are now selling Tide liquid, I buy their Tandil in the orange bottle with the blue lid, non HE version, it is TIDE, same cleaning and scent....love it...for only 6.99....
but well worth shopping for standard goods, frozen foods, bread, soda and fresh veggies.....even Milk is a dollar cheaper than a regular store, that alone is worth it...
where else can you spend 50.00 and fill a shopping cart up and almost overflowing?
oldskool
Well-known member
Local Observations
In the KC area, some Aldi Stores are nicer than others, but all appear to be pleasant, well stocked, organized, consistent quality, and quite busy during peak hours as most other local grocers. The local Aldi stores have improved greatly over the years. Many have been significantly updated, relocated to new buildings, etc... More color, brighter, and now offer fresh meat which formerly was not the case.
The bottom line at Aldi is the price. Here's some comparisons from our local observations for items I purchase regularly:
Item Aldi Price Other Grocers
Milk 2% 2.93 gallon 3.95 gallon
Sugar 1.89 5 lb bag 2.69 4 lb bag
Flour 1.59 5 lb bag 1.99 5 lb bag
Fresh Broccoli 1.49 large bunch 1.89 smaller bunch
Cabbage 1.29 head .79 per lb
Eggs Large 1.09 dozen 1.49 dozen
Butter 1 lb pkg 2.09 (was 1.69 until recent) 3.69
Cottage Cheese 24 oz. 1.89 2.69
Bran Flakes 1.89 3.29
Yellow Onions 3 lb bag 1.49 1.99
And yes the employees appear to multi-task and work harder than employees at other stores - but I also understand their hourly wage is considerably higher than other grocery stores (know an employee at Aldi). The company doesn't tolerate non-productive workers. I've seen several persons at both Aldi stores I visit who are long term, but I'm sure it varies by store and region.
Because of the size of my household, and volume of persons eating, price rules. Accordingly, I shop 3 various stores, but stock up on primary staples at Aldi. I like Sam's Club for laundry, paper goods, coffee, etc..., Price Chopper for meats, specialty produce, and some brand items that we like.
Please excuse the horrible typing and table above. Without tabs or table options - I'm lost.
In the KC area, some Aldi Stores are nicer than others, but all appear to be pleasant, well stocked, organized, consistent quality, and quite busy during peak hours as most other local grocers. The local Aldi stores have improved greatly over the years. Many have been significantly updated, relocated to new buildings, etc... More color, brighter, and now offer fresh meat which formerly was not the case.
The bottom line at Aldi is the price. Here's some comparisons from our local observations for items I purchase regularly:
Item Aldi Price Other Grocers
Milk 2% 2.93 gallon 3.95 gallon
Sugar 1.89 5 lb bag 2.69 4 lb bag
Flour 1.59 5 lb bag 1.99 5 lb bag
Fresh Broccoli 1.49 large bunch 1.89 smaller bunch
Cabbage 1.29 head .79 per lb
Eggs Large 1.09 dozen 1.49 dozen
Butter 1 lb pkg 2.09 (was 1.69 until recent) 3.69
Cottage Cheese 24 oz. 1.89 2.69
Bran Flakes 1.89 3.29
Yellow Onions 3 lb bag 1.49 1.99
And yes the employees appear to multi-task and work harder than employees at other stores - but I also understand their hourly wage is considerably higher than other grocery stores (know an employee at Aldi). The company doesn't tolerate non-productive workers. I've seen several persons at both Aldi stores I visit who are long term, but I'm sure it varies by store and region.
Because of the size of my household, and volume of persons eating, price rules. Accordingly, I shop 3 various stores, but stock up on primary staples at Aldi. I like Sam's Club for laundry, paper goods, coffee, etc..., Price Chopper for meats, specialty produce, and some brand items that we like.
Please excuse the horrible typing and table above. Without tabs or table options - I'm lost.
Thank you all very much. John, your table was fine and contained interesting price comparisons. I use my own bags at most stores because some jurisdictions up here charge 5 cents for each bag.
michaelman2
Well-known member
I really like Aldi, from the no nonsense stores to the private label items. I wish I had one closer, however, I do travel to one several miles away.
danemodsandy
Well-known member
Bad Customer Service:
ALDI is fine as far as it goes. Prices really are lower, and the quality is usually as good as anything out there.
Where ALDI falls down is on customer service. In the best of stores, there will occasionally be an issue, and you'll want to talk with a manager, or possibly Corporate's customer service people.
In the case of ALDI, this is absolutely fruitless. You are always told that ALDI does what it does the way it does for its own reasons, and that it will not change. Trying to comment on a favorite item getting dropped, or a poor selection in one area, or a change in product quality, gets you absolutely nowhere. ALDI figures it has everything figured out so well that input from consumers is not only unnecessary, but unwelcome. There is actually a rumor (the truth of which I do not know), that ALDI's operations manual for stores discourages employees from conversing with customers, as a waste of time that might be put to "better" use elsewhere.
This corporate culture can have some weird results, as when the mayonnaise in our area's ALDI's went from perfectly fine to a strange, runny concoction that tasted absolutely awful. Weeks and weeks and weeks went by, with no change; we customers were told it was "a new supplier," and that "there's nothing we can do about it."
Only after returned, partially (and scarcely) used jars of the stuff piled up and refunds under the ALDI guarantee became too great to ignore, did someone work on the problem. Total time, something like four months - for an issue any company that listened to consumers could have fixed in fairly short order.
Oddly, the "company line" and the unfriendliness increase as you go up the food chain, not decrease, as with most well-run companies. I recently had a run-in with Corporate that left me so cold I'm not sure if I'm ever going back or not. The person I dealt with was so unprofessional and nasty it was not funny.
So, that would be my comment -
ALDI is fine as far as it goes. Prices really are lower, and the quality is usually as good as anything out there.
Where ALDI falls down is on customer service. In the best of stores, there will occasionally be an issue, and you'll want to talk with a manager, or possibly Corporate's customer service people.
In the case of ALDI, this is absolutely fruitless. You are always told that ALDI does what it does the way it does for its own reasons, and that it will not change. Trying to comment on a favorite item getting dropped, or a poor selection in one area, or a change in product quality, gets you absolutely nowhere. ALDI figures it has everything figured out so well that input from consumers is not only unnecessary, but unwelcome. There is actually a rumor (the truth of which I do not know), that ALDI's operations manual for stores discourages employees from conversing with customers, as a waste of time that might be put to "better" use elsewhere.
This corporate culture can have some weird results, as when the mayonnaise in our area's ALDI's went from perfectly fine to a strange, runny concoction that tasted absolutely awful. Weeks and weeks and weeks went by, with no change; we customers were told it was "a new supplier," and that "there's nothing we can do about it."
Only after returned, partially (and scarcely) used jars of the stuff piled up and refunds under the ALDI guarantee became too great to ignore, did someone work on the problem. Total time, something like four months - for an issue any company that listened to consumers could have fixed in fairly short order.
Oddly, the "company line" and the unfriendliness increase as you go up the food chain, not decrease, as with most well-run companies. I recently had a run-in with Corporate that left me so cold I'm not sure if I'm ever going back or not. The person I dealt with was so unprofessional and nasty it was not funny.
So, that would be my comment -
