ALDI's

As many of you know, Seam is a manager for the ALDI grocery stores. So I feel inclined to blog about it because there seems to be a stigma regarding this store, at least according to some forums we frequent. Let me start off by saying that ALDI's is NOT your typical grocery store and do not expect it to resemble a Whole Foods or Tom Thumb, envision a mini Costco. It, however, WILL save you money unlike the aforementioned stores. The primary focus of ALDI's is to save the consumer some cash, something most Texans are unfamiliar with. Oh wait, there was Food Lion but, unlike Food Lion, ALDI's does not take second rate foods (similar to a clothing outlet). Instead they provide consumables under their own private label, ALL made by the manufacturers of name brand products you know and love. Here's the catch, ALDI's leases space in what is deemed "second rate" locations, they charge a quarter for a shopping cart (which you get back when the cart is returned to the proper place), they do not bag your groceries (you can bring your own reusable bags for a "greener" world OR purchase bags for 6 cents or so while there...IKEA?), there is no real merchandising and minimal, yet efficient, staff...why, you ask? This is all so the savings are passed on to the consumer. Unlike places such as WalMart, make no mistake, ALDI's employees are compensated well via salary and benefits hence the customer service you receive and the minimal check out time (the cashiers are actually timed to make sure all things continue running smoothly). Seriously, I'd love it if the person ahead of me only took 2 minutes (max time) to check out with a cart full of groceries...when was the last time that occurred at WalMart or Tom Thumb (longest check out lines EVER). They do not accept credit cards or checks, instead they rely on pin-based debit cards, cash and even Lonestar cards because this too keeps cost at a minimum. All this being said, why not give it a legitimate shot? I mean, it will save money and the food is quality stuff. Since living in KS, we've always had stuff from ALDI's and it's good stuff, so why not try it? Oh yeah, the "stigma". I realize that the store that's just opened in Frisco may not make it, why? Because too many people in Frisco would be/are so afraid that they'll be "seen" buying groceries at a discount grocer...seriously. It's the truth.

So, anyway, moving on. Seam recently came home with 2 huge bags of groceries and I'd like to share SOME of the products & prices with you. I say some because he bought some crap that Seam would only buy lol and that goes for ANY grocery store....I mean Mango nectar? C'mon. So here we go:

Gallon of milk...$1.79
Cinnamon Crunch cereal (aka Cinnamon Toast Crunch)...$1.89
Avocado...$0.39/ea
Whole Pineapple...$0.99
Pkg of Roma Tomatoes (Fresh)...$1.29
Pkg of Jalapenos (Fresh)...$0.35
Italian Diced Tomato...$0.55
93% Ground Beef...$3.17
Bag of Navel oranges...$1.39
Dozen Eggs...$1.19
Bag of White Onion...$1.99
Box of Peanut Butter Wafers (aka Nutty Buddy)...$0.99
Shells & Cheese (aka Velveeta)...$1.29
Limes...$0.15/ea
Garlic Bread (yummo)...$1.69
Parmesan Cheese...$2.49
Premium OJ...$2.39
Beef Stew Meat...$4.19

This is all just to give you an idea. By the way, ALDI foods come with a guarantee..."If for any reason you are dissatisfied with any food product. Not only will [they] replace that product BUT ALSO give you your money back". Not bad right? It's actually a good deal and it's not "cheaply" made stuff. It's quality food, trust me. I guess Texans just need to stop being so snobby, at least from some of the stuff we've heard. Afterall, this business model is not new to the United States. These stores have been VERY successful in the Eastern half of the US since the 70s, not to mention Europe. Apparently, they are doing something right.