First of all, we want you to know that Aldi is not related to Whole Foods, Sprouts, and other similar American companies. On top of that, this German grocery store did not have the greatest reputation for the longest time. In the past, people thought that it offered low-quality items thanks to the low price. Aldi, however, has succeeded in changing its image. As a matter of fact, many Americans now consider it the best place to get their groceries from. But what else has the big-name store been hiding from the rest of us?
25 Things About Aldi That You Did Not Know
Why The Boxes Are On The Shelves
You might have noticed that Aldi aisles have the same vibe that you will find in Costco. Do not be fooled by this! The boxes on the shelves are not there because the employees are lazy. No, this is actually a strategy they devised to ensure maximum productivity. This way, they do not shell out resources on presentation. This is actually an awesome method. It is a simple trick, but it works well for everyone!
Why The Boxes Are On The Shelves
They Have A Minimum Number Of Employees
There are several reasons Aldi has managed to offer products and items at such a low price. One of these would be the way they keep the boxes on the shelves. Thanks to this, they do not need to hire more people than they need. By cutting down on employee costs, the prices can remain competitive.
They Have A Minimum Number Of Employees
The Employees Have To Work Harder
However, this is great for everyone. Have you ever thought that Aldi employees looked stressed every now and then? Keep in mind that the workers perform more duties and have less time to perform them thanks to the low staff number. That said, the employees do receive good compensation and benefits.
The Employees Have To Work Harder
They Have Streamlined The Entire Grocery Shopping Process
We admire the way that everything has been organized by Aldi. Customers can enter, exit, and go home in a short amount of time. Unlike places like Whole Foods, the grocery chain does not focus on creating a unique experience. It is simply concerned with letting customers shop as quickly as possible but still get the best deals. They succeeded in doing this by implanting efficient strategies like the addition of multiple barcodes, as well as the installation of conveyor belts with the ideal length.
They Have Streamlined The Entire Grocery Shopping Process
It Is Not As Cheap As They Claim It Is
Aldi has made a name for itself thanks to its low prices. We will not deny that it is indeed cheaper to shop here when you compare it to competitor chains. While Aldi offers the best deals, it is not quite as cheap as one might think. The difference is not exactly significant. Despite this, we have to admire how well the marketing campaign has worked! Good for them.
It Is Not As Cheap As They Claim It Is
Why They Charge A Deposit For The Shopping Carts
This is likely something that you considered weird when you first when to Aldi. You must not be used to paying a deposit for a cart. However, the truth is that it is actually convenient for the store. This means that the employees do not have to do it for you! This is a great trick that saves them money.
Why They Charge A Deposit For The Shopping Carts
The Return Policy Is Even Better Than Usual
Aldi might not offer a money-back guarantee, but the good news is that it offers Double Guarantee. If the product did not satisfy you, it is possible to return it. Not only will they replace it, but they are also going to reimburse you for it. This is probably the best assurance you can ever get.
The Return Policy Is Even Better Than Usual
They Do Not Operate On A 24/7 Basis
There are other grocery stores that are open 24/7, but Aldi is not one of them. By now, you should know that it is dedicated to cutting corners but staying efficient. It is aware that it won’t make much of a profit during the wee hours of the day. That is why the store only opens its doors from 9 in the morning to 8 or 9 in the evening. Sadly, college students will have to look elsewhere if they want to do midnight shifts.
They Do Not Operate On A 24/7 Basis
The Awards That The Grocery Chain Has Bagged
The grocery store might offer lower prices, but this does not mean that the items are worse. In fact, Aldi has even bagged many awards. During a blind taste test at the International Wine Challenge, its rose wines took home the second place. Not only that, but the chain also received honors at the International Spirits Challenge. It snagged 25 medals at the Grocer Food and Drink Own Label Awards as well.
The Awards That The Grocery Chain Has Bagged
They Offer Delivery Services In Certain Cities
Ali is offering delivery services in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. How lucky are they? People living in these cities can do their shopping via Instacart. After placing the order, you simply have to wait for it at your door. This is great if you are short on time. Rumors say that it will be available to more cities soon!
They Offer Delivery Services In Certain Cities
The Controversy Surrounding The Bread Machines
In November 2010, the German Aldi stores started to offer made-to-order fresh bread with the help of “technological innovation.” The products are made in only a couple of seconds. The chain started to introduce baking machines in the stores, but the German Bakers’ Confederation did not approve of this. It even led to a legal battle. Aldi denied them the right to inspect the dough and machines, however.
The Controversy Surrounding The Bread Machines
The Two Aldi Grocery Chains In Germany
Are you aware that the banner of the grocery chain is split into two? During the ‘60s, the founders of the company did not reach an agreement about whether they should sell cigarettes. This led them to divide the company into two. The white and blue logo stands for Nord; the blue and orange one stands for Süd.
The Two Aldi Grocery Chains In Germany
Aldi Have Gotten Rid Of Questionable Ingredients
Great news! You will be glad to hear that Aldi products have no artificial colors, MSG, and hydrogenated oils. The grocery chain decided to do away with questionable ingredients from all the name brand items.
Aldi Have Gotten Rid Of Questionable Ingredients
What You Did Not Know About Trader’s Joe
Aldi Süd uses the same name in the United States. Aldi Nord is also present in the country but uses a different name: Trader’s Joe. Who would have thought that the famous brand is simply the American version of this German grocery chain? It is now managed by Theo Albrecht, a businessman. Now you understand the lack of emphasis on private labels and the minimal advertising.
What You Did Not Know About Trader’s Joe
You Can Now Buy Aldi And Kohl’s Product At The Same Time
Kohl’s plan to sublet store space to the grocery chain. This way, shoppers can now buy everything that they need without going anywhere else. It is not only going to save you money, but it will save time too.
You Can Now Buy Aldi And Kohl’s Product At The Same Time
Aldi Has A Strict Testing Process
Mind you, Aldi takes the quality of its offering very seriously. The test kitchens follow strict policies. Before they are taken to the store, the products have all been tested 30 times. Not only that, but they undergo retesting at least once a year. Sometimes they do even more when a competitor introduces something similar to it!
Aldi Has A Strict Testing Process
They Follow The Philosophy Of Verzicht
Do you know what verzicht is? There is no direct translation in the English language. However, it pretty much means both “doing without” and “giving up.” We highly recommend keeping this in mind if you want a simple and thrifty life. The employees are not going to tell you about this since they are not allowed to talk to the media. However, a regional manager explained the Aldi business plan in his book. It turns out that the philosophy of the grocery store chain is to keep it simple! Clearly, it works for them.
They Follow The Philosophy Of Verzicht
You Should Go On A Wednesday Morning
Every Wednesday, the grocery chain has Aldi Finds day. As soon as the store is opened, employees place seasonal items on the shelves at incredible prices. They will offer everything from a rack of lamb to patio furniture. This is a great day to visit because you can score the most amazing deals. It is a good idea to go there as early as you can. These are in-demand products, so they are going to run out in no time.
You Should Go On A Wednesday Morning
The Website Offers Even Better Discounts
We are sure that you know that Aldi offers low prices, but there is another way to get even better deals! You should always check out the website. There is a “Weekly Specials” page over there that you should look at. Simply click on the store you visit so that you can avail of even more amazing discounts.
The Website Offers Even Better Discounts
Aldi Does Not Have Only One Private Label Brand
Plenty of stores offer a private label, which often includes cheap yet high-quality products. Aldi is no exception to this rule. Plenty of chains only have just one private label. However, there are ten of these at Aldi! The inhouse products also account for all but 10% of the store offerings. Just so you know, their lines include Mama Cozzi, LiveGFree, Casa Mamita, and L’oven Fresh.
Aldi Does Not Have Only One Private Label Brand
This Is How You Can Get Cashback
The Ibotta cashback app is associated with a number of stores out there. However, it is not used by Aldi. There is no need to worry because you can get cashback at the grocery chain anyway. Aldi uses Checkout51, a different cashback application which has the same function as Ibotta. Simply download it, save the promos on your grocery list, and obtain the invoice in order to avail more discounts.
This Is How You Can Get Cashback
The Employees Know Better Than Anyone
Aldi employees do not only work at the store, but they usually shop there as well. This means that they are more familiar with the items there better than anybody else. Considering the price and quality of the products, it makes perfect sense for them to do their shopping there. We are sure that no one can give better advice about which products to buy and skip when you are there. If you have a question about the items in the store, it is always worth a shot to ask one of the employees about what they think!
The Employees Know Better Than Anyone
They Do Not Contribute To Food Waste
We cannot come up with a worse tragedy than food waste. It is terrible, but many restaurants and grocery stores simply throw away food they were unable to sell. The good news is that this is not something they do at Aldi. The chain works with Feeding America, a non-profit organization. The grocery store donates the leftover food to the charity! This sounds like a neat idea to us. We just hope that more groceries do the same thing in the future!
They Do Not Contribute To Food Waste
Stuff You Did Not Expect To Find
Aldi has many basic items that we are all familiar with. If you check out the aisles, you are likely going to see items that you had no idea existed. We have some excellent recommendations for you! Aldi employees loved the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit, so it is worth checking out at the very least. Who would have thought that something like this even existed? Honestly, we were unaware that Red Lobster had supermarket offerings. Aside from this interesting item, we also highly advise that you check out the Funnel Cake Kit that comes with a pitcher pouring spout.
Stuff You Did Not Expect To Find
You Can Use Cardboard Boxes Instead Of Shopping Bags
Plenty of establishments and places have started to restrict or ban plastic bags. Even though it can be a little inconvenient, we are happy because this was done to save the planet. However, this means that we now have to carry around reusable bags when we go shopping. We are sure that you do not always remember to bring them with you. When you go to Aldi, you will see a lot of empty cardboard boxes there. These things come from previous shipments. How awesome is it that customers can use them in lieu of shopping bags?
You Can Use Cardboard Boxes Instead Of Shopping Bags