Aldi

My grandmother went in to grab a few things and couldn’t get her money out fast enough and the cashier says. Jesus Christ shoot me. Unreal. That’s some respect

It was my first time here, and it was nicer than expected. For some reason I thought it was going to be foods close to their expiration date, or items that were dented and damaged in some way. It’s not at all like that! The biggest difference was only that many items have brand names you may not recognize, but the quality is comparable. I was able to find almost all the items on my shopping list, and I only spent maybe just a little more than half of what I spend at the bigger stores.
They had a «Hiring» poster up, listing pretty good starting wages for a grocery store job. I would rather spend my food money in a place that properly pays employees, than in a place that charges me more for «amenities» I don’t need. I don’t think Aldi will ever be my only grocery store, but I think it will become my primary store.
Just remember your quarter so you can get a shopping cart (you get it back when you’re done with it), and you have to bring your own bags or boxes.

Aldi is a great place for anyone, but especially those looking to save money on groceries. Looks can be deceiving… it’s sorta in an empty shopping center, but I’m sure the rent is cheap for them. A plus is, there is plenty of parking.
I have tried many of Aldi’s products (99% of the things they sell are private brand… you won’t find «Ritz», but you will find «Savoritz» and have been pleased with almost all of them. Most products are only in one size or variety, which is fine if you aren’t too picky. You can also find all kinds of more «fancy» items… imported German chocolates, hummus, goat cheese, etc. They also have some good seasonal items such as garden supplies in the spring time. I have been pleased with the more «fresh» items as well like produce and bread.
The store is small (you can get in and out very quickly if you don’t get too tempted to scan all the isles), but they really pack a lot into it. Checkout is very fast, even if the line looks long. Remember to bring your own bags/​boxes or whatever to carry your groceries out (you must bag the groceries yourself. the cashiers simply place them into the cart), or you can buy bags for a few cents if you wish. You do have to «rent» a shopping cart, but it really isn’t a big deal. Put in the quarter, and get it back when you reconnect the cart to the line of others. They do not take credit cards (part of the savings), so bring cash or a debit card. The clientele has always been fine with me despite the no-​frills setup. I have mainly seen senior citizens and working mothers shopping here.
You aren’t going to find a deli, bakery, or fresh seafood here (everything is pre-​packaged), so I usually go elsewhere for these items. Even with that, I find myself saving a noticeable amount over any grocery store in the area. I can routinely walked out with 2 or three bags packed with groceries for less than $ 25. Just compare the prices to where you shop now… not every item is a bargain compared to the sales of the nearby ShopRite for instance, but the majority of items are significantly less.

Yah, I finally went into an Aldi. I’ve always been curious, but also a bit intimidated. I know the carts are locked up and you have to get a key from somewhere and then when you’re done shopping, you have to replace the cart that was used by the last person in the checkout line. Ahhh, it’s so scary! I don’t want to look like a moron.
In reality, it’s a great idea. No carts strewn in the lot bumping into brand new Subaru Impreza’s (thank you very much). None of that «front wheels of the cart over the curb so it doesn’t roll away» placements. And, of course, Aldi (which is owned by the same German company that owns Trader Joe’s (boo, but that’s another story)) doesn’t have to hire alot of employees. In fact, this store has TWO people working there. The cashier and someone behind a one-​way glass who no doubt is looking for cretins stealing the FIBER NOW bars. See, very few of the products there are brand name. Most are their own private label and they are cheap and, believe it or not, really good. I go for their coffee, dog food (yes, things are getting that bad), and some snacks.
I guess I’m just a sucker for weird off-​brand products. I buy Crispy Hexagons, not Crispix – but that’s my little fetish. The place is quiet too. No ubiquitous remakes of Korn tunes by muzak. Just sweet silence. I feel like I’m buying groceries in Yerevan, or something. Now, I’m not suggesting people to buy all their food there, although you would save a lot, but even buying certain items will save you money. And in these tough times, that’s nothing to laugh at. Now, back to my Aldi knockoff Yodels called Fudgy Delights! I think they’re manufactured in Latvia. yum.