It's great to hear Clark Howard speak well of Aldi, for I've shopped Aldi more than 20 years in ATL/Metro ATL--way back to there were only 1 or 2 and they only carried dry goods--and no fresh fruits/vegs, meats, dairy, or refrigerated-anything was to be there found--and know 1st hand and very well the savings at hand. They were were mighty dirt- cheap way back then, and even though prices have certainly risen--same as with their competitors--I still get great, and sometimes unbelievable savings...plus they're much easier to find now because they're everywhere. For years, I'd drive quite a distance to shop Aldi, but it was well worth the drive. All in all, apples to apples, oranges to oranges, their prices have consistently been much less to very noticeably lower than their competitors. When they finally did start providing carts, I began making sure I always keep an 'Aldi quarter' in my car. BTW, they do provide bags--for a dime, but they are reusable. They used to have nickle bags, too, but because I usually keep at least one very worn previously-purchased bag in my vehicles, use my own bag, use the boxes they sometimes have available, or roll my cart to my car-empty cart-roll cart back to hook & retrieve my Aldi-quarter, I'm not sure if they still offer the nickle bags or not. Another plus is that it is usually a quick, hassel-free stop. Getting in and out has always been much quicker and easier than shopping at the big boys. Set up is sorta like a really, really small Sams, Costco, Bj, etc. Shopping Aldi's many years and many, many Aldi's all over ATL and in lots other cities--big and small--and I've yet to encounter one that was not spic and span clean. There was a time they closed around 6p and closed Sundays; but now they're open until 'round 8p M-Sa, and close a bit earlier on Sundays. As far as food quality & taste, and other items they sell...like I said, I've been shopping there for many, many years, so.... read more
