Ok, so I must be one of Aldi's number 1 fans. I just relocated to Portsmouth, VA from SC. I've shopped Aldi for years there. I was getting a little sad as the time to relocate was drawing near, because there was no Aldi here at the time. I'm not sure exactly when the store in Portsmouth opened up, but I believe it was shortly before I moved here. I was thrilled when I checked google again and found one. I've always served as an unofficial advocate for Aldi. I talked most of my family, friends and coworkers into trying it. I would tell them all about it and the uniqueness of the store. Things that really excite me about Aldi, prices, daily shipments-guarantees freshness, Thoughtfulness-savings - the quarter to borrow a shopping cart, which is returned to you when you return the cart to the corral. Bringing your own bag and bagging your own groceries. Practical and money saving to keep consumer prices down. The cashiers were super nice in SC. The one's I've encountered in Portsmouth are alright so far, not overly friendly or anything so far. The employees, managers work constantly and very hard always trying to keep shelves stocked and moving merchandise around, and coming to cashier when the lines get more than a couple of people in them. They are very quick, the food is good and fresh and they have a wide variety of food and some non-food items, which are high quality for a good price as well. It seems like almost every time that I go, there is a new product for me to try. The store originated in Germany, so it's nice to sometimes try to German products. You will find pretty much anything you will find in any other grocery store, just with a modified selection, some name brands that you are accustomed to and some not. I find all of the food to be high quality, I only had an issue with 1 thing a couple of years ago. A can of refried beans had something foreign in them, like rubber or something, from the processing machine I assume? I was going to make contact with the company, but I never did. Today I received a flyer in the mail from Aldi, $5 off $30 purchase, just makes everything that much sweeter. I was thrilled several months ago when Aldi started taking Credit cards. I am not a cash-person and I don't care for using my debit card much either. That was one of my only issues with Aldi, I'm so glad that fixed that for me!! The other issue is that some things are seasonal or temporary. I purchased the only 2 blue throw pillows at the store one day, thinking if I go back often there would be more, as I wanted 4. Aldi was pretty much on my way home, so after checking back a half dozen times, I finally gave up. I also had my sister in Ohio checking for me, but no luck there either. They told me that they may bring them back some day, they don't place orders and don't know what the will receive. So the moral of the story, if you really like something, get as many as you need that first time, because you may never see that item again. Just know that it may not be there at all the next time you go. I've purchased it all there and I'm very satisfied with everything. I've even purchased the fresh and frozen meats, ice cream, and they are all great too. They have healthy and gluten free foods. Some were afraid to try Aldi, like if they thought it was a thrift store or something. Well, I think I've gotten many people hooked on it and I continue to be an advocate for it. I send texts to friends, family and former coworkers when they have sales items that I know will interest them... Fruits and veggies especially. We are all on health kicks... where else can you get nice, juicy big mango's for .69 cents each and so many other great deals. If you happen to forget your bags, don't fret, they will sell you your bag of choice for a very low price. If you forget a quarter, you might get lucky...shoppers are great too, some will just give you their cart after they empty it, and not accept your quarter, others will save you a trip to the corral, but they want their quarter from you...smile...it's all good though. It's just a quarter and it makes you feel good and them feel good when you just tell them to take the cart and keep their quarter. A very small but special gesture. They have good hours, but don't get there too late because they aren't open after 9pm. They may close even earlier on Sundays I think...Plus the later you get there, they may be about sold out of things, especially fresh produce, which is what I buy the most of. Even if you end up in a long line, it goes so quick. They just scan and place the item in the cart, so it saves time. Please check them out and try them a couple of visits before you make a judgment. It's a little different, but you will find it's different in a very nice way. Nothing fancy or glamorous about the store, but it is neat, clean, very orderly and has clean restrooms and is run very efficiently. They get you in and out without hassle. read more