Now that Aldi stores are popping up here in Texas, I thought I would share what I know about shopping at Aldi. I lived in Ohio for a short time with an Aldi store just minutes from my house. While I usually preferred shopping at grocery stores where I could get better deals with coupons, I would shop at Aldi occasionally for their fantastic prices on produce and dairy. I have really missed that store since moving back to Texas, so I’m really excited that there is now an Aldi not too far from my house!
Here is your guide to shopping at Aldi:
1. Everday Low Prices. Aldi regular prices are great compared to grocery store regular prices. They have excellent prices on produce and staples like milk, eggs, and cheese. If you don’t use coupons, then you might find that you can save a lot more by shopping at Aldi.
2. No Coupons. Aldi does not accept coupons. It wouldn’t make much difference even if they did because they carry very few brand name items. The brand name items that they do sell could probably be purchased for less with a coupon at another store.
3. Bring a Quarter. You will need to bring a quarter to rent a shopping cart. The carts are held together by a sort of chain system. You have to insert a quarter to remove a cart. To get your quarter back, you have to return your cart and hook it back up to the chain system. I actually think this is a brilliant idea. (Though I have had to borrow a quarter from someone a time or two, lol!)
4. Bring Shopping Bags. At Aldi you will have to bag your own groceries and bring your own grocery bags. They do sell some (5¢ for paper, 10¢ for plastic) in case you forget though. You can also collect empty boxes from around the store to use to transport your groceries. At checkout, you place your items on the belt and the cashier scans them and places them back in your cart. You then take you cart to a table along the wall where you bag up your groceries yourself.
5. Double Back Guarantee. Since most of the products sold at Aldi are private label brands you might be wary to try them. They offer a double back guarantee – if you are dissatisfied with the product, they will replace it AND refund your money! I have yet to try something from Aldi that I did not like though!
6. Bring Cash. Aldi only accepts cash, debit, or food stamps/EBT cards.
7. Small and Simple. Aldi is able to offer their low prices because they don’t spend a lot of money on “frills.” They don’t advertise very much or pay for greeters, baggers, or cart-chasers. They do not really decorate their store or offer a deli, bakery, or butcher. The store is also very small – which really saves you time!
I really love the simplicity and ease of saving money at Aldi. If you have one nearby, you might consider stopping in to check it out!
Do you shop at Aldi? What do you like or dislike about it?