I've shopped ALDI since it came to Dallas. I've been happier with the quality of the items over any other store, and I save, on average, 56% over the best price for the same item, regardless of what other store has the best price.
I write reviews on many items and topics routinely, and I evaluate shopping trends.
Part of that is personally comparing prices and quality on a daily basis... something I've done for decades.
I've read all of the reviews and concluded that many people are simply lazy, shallow, and uneducated. They are the same people who routinely believe that paying more for the same item, whether it be a bike, car or boat, makes the item better.
If only they knew that the same machines, methods and caliber of craftsmen were used to make all of them. For cyclists, many will purchase a "name brand" bike over the "store" version at 3-4 times the cost... not knowing that both frames are identical... manufactured in the same facility, but the same people, on the same machines... and the only difference is the $2,400 decal on the frame that proclaims its world class heritage.
Groceries are the same. The same packaging plants sort, package and label for big brands, such as Green Giant, etc., as they do for store brands. The quality of the items, whether it be firsts or seconds, is determined by the contract negotiated. The quality and quantity affect the price for the stores, but the store overhead is what ultimately determines the cost to the consumer.
Shopping carts at ALDI are not "rented", but rather, like any airport, there is a deposit required for the use of this high-dollar item. Each cart will average around $300-$400 per cart, depending on size, quality, etc. Cart theft and damage is a major issue and expense for all grocers, except ALDI.
That simple quarter means that nearly every cart gets returned. Since the day ALDI opened in Dallas, I have only found one (1) cart not returned... ever.
What that also means is no employees are required to retrieve the carts, nor do they have to be repaired and serviced on a daily basis.
In fact, I hate shopping carts at most stores because they pull to one side, or squeal, or have a bump-bump-bump to their roll that is irritating. The reason? They been left in the elements and hit by cars.
Ever had an ALDI shopping cart blow across the parking lot and dent your car? I haven't, but I have at Walmart, Tom Thumb, Krogers, and other places over the years.
So peace of mind about my vehicle versus cart alone is worth that quarter that I get back.
I use the Walmart self-service area to check out. I bag my own items there.
The beauty of ALDI is that I get to bag my groceries the way I want them bagged. They use to teach bag boys how to properly pack a bag. If you want other people to bag your items today, then do not ever whine about your bruised tomatoes or crushed bread. In fact, those people are probably just fine with their toilet cleaners in the bag with their meat, eggs and candy.
ALDI is the world's largest and oldest grocer. No need for a history lesson since we all have Google, but they are family-owned, consist of two divisions (Norte & Sur), are worldwide, and they own Trader Joe's and a host of vineyards. They dwarf companies like Walmart, but in size and profit margin.
Their items are store branded, but they are by no means seconds. Their bread comes from the same place as the Sara Lee bread. Their chicken comes from Tyson, which is why you most often see Tyson label products in the store.
Their German and Austrian chocolates are imported and are a delight. You routinely see M&Ms labeled items in the store because many of the ALDI candies that are not imported, come from the same place.
Their meats are by far better than I've seen in Walmart, Tom Thumb, Kroger, etc. and at a far better price. Their produce has always been a cut above the rest, but if there is an issue, as there can be with any produce anywhere, ALDI has always made good on their money back guarantee.
In fact, in terms of money back issues, ALDI is the easiest place I have ever deal with and they take care of it on the spot, COMPLETE WITH APOLOGIES.
You know, if a quarter for a cart meant I'd get an apology from Walmart or anywhere else, then that alone would justify using that quarter for the cart... especially since I get my quarter back too!
The funny thing was watching so many people in high-end vehicles turn their nose up and leave... only to see them again in a week or two, on their cell phones, loudly talking to someone about how wonderful the items and prices were at ALDI.
Wealthy people shop ALDI. They are wealthy because they learned to spend their money wisely. Since most people shop at more than one store, they're not bothered by the fact that ALDI has what ALDI has, and not what Walmart or any other store carries. As trial items show success, they show up in the regular grocery orders and not just the rotating/seasonal orders.
5+ Stars!! read more