I decided to check out the Aldi grocery store in Watertown since I am new to the area. This may be a "green" store, but they are on my blacklist now. I have been coming to Wisconsin for a year and it has taken me that long to finally meet someone who was rude and surly. Turns out it was my cashier, Rose.
First of all, you need a quarter to get a shopping cart. No instruction, but one of the customers was kind enough to advise that you have to put a quarter in the cart to unchain the grocery cart and get permission to use it. OK, lesson learned. Selection was fair, produce was good, prices were good. I went to check out and there was one cashier and six people ahead of me. Lots of checkout lanes, but no one to help. No biggie, I could wait. I had my own grocery bag so I didn't need to buy one. I got up to the cashier and asked if they accepted credit. She mumbled something at me. No eye contact. I asked again. Nothing. Then I figured out she was talking to someone else (maybe with an ear piece?) She finally said they accept major credit cards.The customer ahead of me grabbed a few groceries out of her cart and was on her way. Then the cashier started throwing my stuff in this lady's cart. I said, "Oh, I have a bag," she ignored me and kept hurling my stuff in this other cart. I figured, okay, I can bag them when she's done. She cast the receipt my way and I started to bag my groceries and wheel out the cart. She came running after me, blocked my exit, and said, "I need that cart," put it back near her checkout and left me standing there like an idiot.
I still don't know why she did that. I felt humiliated and belittled. It was a horrible experience and I will go to Festival, Pick and Save, Pig-Wig, Costco, and any farmer's market before I return to any store in the Aldi chain. Do not go there the first time by yourself. You need a guide to figure out their systems and someone to bring a quarter if you don't have one.
PS: I still love Wisconsin and all the other wonderful people I have met! read more