Within the last year I have been introduced to Aldi – Which is now one of my favorite go-to places for grocery shopping. Yes, I still often frequent Target, our local Hy-Vee and Trader Joes (did you know they are owned by the same company that own’s Aldi?) Once I set foot in Aldi’s, I fell in love and have been a happy customer ever since.
Top 10 Reasons to Shop at Aldi:
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1. GREAT QUALITY
At ALDI you get great prices without sacrificing quality. I think the boyfriend and I have tried about everything offered in the store or close to it, and we haven’t come across much that we don’t like. In fact, some of the items we like more than the traditional national brands. I can’t remember the last time I brought something home from Aldi that we didn’t end up liking. If something doesn’t measure up? No worries! Because Aldi has a money back guarantee.
2. PERFECT SIZE STORES
Aldi stores are small but fresh and bright with wide aisles. If they have displays out, they are located in such a way that it doesn’t typically hinder traffic flow. I love not having to squeeze through tight aisles! In our store at least there is plenty of room for two shopping carts to pass each other. Aldi offers over 1,400 of the most commonly used grocery and household items. I find that we can get everything we need at Aldi. Need to find a restroom? Sure – it will only be about 4 aisles away max!
Also because they don’t have lots of different brands, shopping is simple. No need to try to sort through 10 brands/varieties of a single item anymore!
3. SPECIAL BUYS
Because Aldi stores are also smaller than most traditional grocery stores, space is at a premium. Items chosen for space are the most popular items. Aldi likes to change things up too, and that is done through weekly “Special Buys.” Special buys can literally be anything from seasonal items like sprinklers in the summer to gingerbread houses at Christmas. Special buys are limited in quantity and availability, once they are gone, they are gone. Except sometimes items are so popular they eventually get their very permanent shelf space. *Look for Rain Showerheads and Bath Mats for their “Back to School” Special Buy this August.
4. WINE UNDER $5
Yes, wine under $5. Delicious wine under $5. My personal favorite is the Winking Owl Brand of wine – only $3. For the mere $3 – this wine has surpassed my expectations. ALSO – their seasonal Sangria right now for a limited time is $4.99.
5. ORGANIC FOODS
Aldi introduced its new line Simply Nature which offers organic, gluten-free and natural products. I have to tell you that of all of the things I learned about Aldi, this is probably my favorite. The organic line will also include a line of organic produce, as available in individual markets, by the end of 2014.
6. DONT FORGET YOUR QUARTER
While regular Aldi shoppers are familiar with the cart system, newbies are often find themselves staring at Aldi’s shopping carts in wonder. For those who don’t know, in order to use a cart, you must deposit $.25. When you return your cart, your quarter is returned. Why does Aldi do this? It’s simple, to cut costs. Not only does Aldi save money on shopping cart theft (it’s a real thing), but employees don’t have to waste time rounding up carts in the parking lot. Everyone returns their own cart. Less wasted time, fewer employees, lower prices.
8. NO COUPONS
For a deal hunter like me, one of the hardest things for me to get used to is that Aldi doesn’t accept coupons or run sales. Like ever. The price you see is the everyday low price, that’s it. It took some getting used to, but one of the things I have come to realize is that while the everyday price at Aldi might be higher than a sale stacked with coupons elsewhere, over all everything is less at Aldi. So if you look at your bill as a whole, you will save versus a traditional store, every time.
9. PRODUCE SALES
The low prices everyday on produce at ALDI are fantastic. They do often have weekly specials for even lower prices. For example, in the past we have taken advantage of the $0.99 pineapples, $0.99 strawberries, $1.99 salad mix, and many more deals. Often I get a little carried away with the fresh produce deals.
10. ALDI GOES GREEN
Long before reusable totes were a popular method of going green, Aldi customers have been asked to bring their own bags. You won’t hear “Paper or plastic?” at checkout — they are not even options. What do you do if you forget your bags? No problem. You can buy one or, better yet, remember all those empty boxes that are removed as products are used? You are more than welcome to reuse an empty box to take home your purchases for free. (Of course, I hope you will remember to recycle your reused box at home.)
* If you have an Aldi in your area, you really should check it out. (Not sure if you do? Use their store locator to find out.)
* Bring cash or a debit card. Aldi does not accept credit cards since it saves them money. The good thing is that it also helps their consumers spend responsibly!
Shopping at Aldi definitely takes some getting used to at first because for most people it is a shift from what they are used to. But once you realize that the differences are all created with conscious effort to save money while delivering quality products – you will begin to wonder why more stores don’t adopt Aldi practices.
Do YOU shop at Aldi? What do you like/dislike about shopping there? Would love to hear your input!