Aldi

March 27th, 2009 at 12:36 am

So, I've overheard some chatter about some place called "Aldi". And this "Aldi" supposedly have some pretty good prices.

Right, so I looked up their website and checked their store location to see if there is one near me. Much to my shock, not only is there a store near me, but there is actually not two, not three, but FOUR Aldis within driving distance from me!

How long have I been living here again? More than 15 years I think... and yet, I never knew that?

So, earlier today, I finally decided to visit one of these mythological Aldi, and I must say, it's quite different from other grocery stores.

For one thing, it looks more like a small warehouse than a grocery store, with an assortment of knick knacks including children's clothing thrown in for good measure.

Some of the prices were comparable with other grocery stores, but others, especially lesser-known brands, came with quite a good discount!

Here's something else I found interesting (and applaud the management for doing): The cashiers at the check out lines work sitting down! Much more ergonomic!

Oh but this is the biggest pleasant surprise: When I checked out, the cashier asked, "Cash or debit?"

"Oh? No credit?", I asked, "I don't mind. I'm just asking why."

"Credit takes out a percentage for every transaction, and by skipping credit, we can pass that savings on to you.", she answered. I love it!

Unfortunately, none of the Aldis is close enough to me to be considered as "convenient", and the savings aren't big enough to warrant the detour.... That's also why I never knew about them in the first place.

Still, if nothing else, it an interesting little diversion. And now, I can finally understand what other people are talking about when they mention Aldi. Big Grin

Posted in Uncategorized | 9 Comments »

9 Responses to “Aldi”

creditcardfree Says:
March 27th, 2009 at 02:25 am 1238120727
1238120727

I checked Aldi out once too, just to know what it was all about! It is great that the cashier's can sit down...and why not, right?
Apprentice Bliss Hunter Says:
March 27th, 2009 at 02:46 am 1238122009
1238122009

We have Aldi in Ireland too !! In fact, in my home town, we have Aldi and its sister company Lidl- both great stores...only arrived in Ireland about 10 years ago...

p.s. cashiers sit down in all stores in Ireland... can't imagine how much more tiring it would be for them to have stay on their feet all day !
Broken Arrow Says:
March 27th, 2009 at 03:02 am 1238122942
1238122942

Wow, I didn't know all cashiers sit down elsewhere. That makes a lot more sense to me.

I learned that Aldi (short for Albrecht Discount) turned out to be a German-based supermarket chain, but they have stores all over world. Founded by two Albrecht brothers, it is said that they are two of the richest men in Germany.
Joan.of.the.Arch Says:
March 27th, 2009 at 03:06 am 1238123210
1238123210

Ya, BA that thing about making cashiers stand has always bothered me. I think it is so much harder to stay in one position all day long, whether it is standing or sitting. Cashiers should be able to have options on that through the day. But you know, at Aldi's the cashiers also stock the shelves, too. So they get to change positions, walk, change which muscle groups they are using. At the Aldi's I shopped, the same people have worked for years, so I figure they must be a decent employer.
miclason Says:
March 27th, 2009 at 04:08 am 1238126922
1238126922

Here in ES they all sit down... except at PriceSmart, now that I think about it...hmmmmmm
whitestripe Says:
March 27th, 2009 at 06:56 am 1238137002
1238137002

yes, a friend and I went to aldi for the first time a few weeks ago. they wear ties too - (which isn't usual in australia for supermarket workers.) and they don't stack your bags/boxes for you (saves time), don't give you bags (saves money), and you have to use a $2 coin to get a trolley and then you have to return it to get the coin back (saves having to hire trolley boys).
Broken Arrow Says:
March 27th, 2009 at 12:51 pm 1238158268
1238158268

Whitestripe reminded me of another thing that's interesting! Many of the shoppers there used old cardboard boxes to carry their groceries!

I must say I really do like Aldi's philosophy.
M E 2 Says:
March 27th, 2009 at 04:59 pm 1238173153
1238173153

I have also been led to believe that the same family that owns Aldi(also)owns Trader Joes. :-)
dmontngrey Says:
March 27th, 2009 at 04:59 pm 1238173180
1238173180

Last I checked the closest one was 21 miles away. Now the closest is only 8 miles away. Getting closer! I still have yet to check one out. Maybe next time I'm down that way, we'll see.

Huh, closest one to my mom is 71 miles away! One right in town next time I visit my inlaws - 1000 miles away from me!

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BA

Could be worse...

Aldi

9 Responses to “Aldi”

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