Coming to Central Florida!

[Drew's Mommy]

Originally Posted by MISTERCHEAP As an avid coupon user, don't close your mind to shopping at Aldi's due to coupons. Many of the brands they carry are their own brands (thus no coupon to use anyway). They do stock some name brand stuff, but their prices on everyday items that sometimes YOU JUST NEED, (coupon or not), are so good, that it pays to do some shopping there. Don't get me wrong, I DO NOT DO MY MAJOR GROCERY SHOPPING THERE, however, they have nice, affordable produce, excellent prepackaged cheeses and meats. One example, the ALDI by me sells the 9 oz Fresh Express Pre Washed FRESH Spinach for $1.49 EVERYDAY! The best price at supermarkets where coupons are accepted in my area for this item is about $3 ON SALE! They are owned by the same parent company that owns TRADER JOE's, another very well run operation. If you have ALDI questions, post them here and I'll answer back.

Thanks for letting me know this--I will check it out for sure! :o)

[sarahur]

they are putting one in the shopping center next to publix on obt in orlando it is in the same store where winn-dixxie use to be a few years back it's where the south chase sub divisons are , i cant waite my hsband was in chicago for 6 months a few years back and he would shop there and he loved it so he is very happy one is coming to o-town

[Lilo]

I just discovered that there is an Aldi's that will be opening about two miles from my house!

I looked at their website, and it seems like it's very similar to Save-a-Lot. Is there anything to watch out for there? Items you would never buy, or items you always buy?

[Eldemila]

My Mom goes to Aldi's when she's up in NC, but personally, I don't see what's so great about it. The prices aren't much of anything to talk about - have no idea how their brands stack up to others - very limited on what they carry.

Not that we have anything worthwhile down here in Miami - only wish we had a Wegmans or moreso, a Trader Joes - I'd live there if I could, coupons or not, I just LOVE that store!!!!

In Miami you NEVER see double coupons and have only 3 chains to choose from - Publix, WD and Sedanos (Latin store) It amazes me when I go up to NC where on just one street alone there's Harris Teeter, Ingles, Bi-Lo, Freshmarket and Food Lion, all double and sometimes triple - we can't even get one day a year down here - I can't wait to move!!!!!!!!!!!

[jandswinder]

I was so excited to see that the old Albertson's on 60 in Brandon is going to be Aldi's.

[CANXLR8]

One opening this fall at Sandlake & Winegard (just East of the FL Mall) in South Orlando. Next to Northern Tool.

I probably won't be checking that one out...I avoid the super Wal-Mart in the area for the same reasons I won't be going to that Aldi. I'm hoping they build one near my office as I frequent them when we're in upstate NY visiting and their storebrand stuff is good. In fact some of it is better than the brand name stuff.

We shall see...

[XplatinumXpixeyX]

Originally Posted by MISTERCHEAP As an avid coupon user, don't close your mind to shopping at Aldi's due to coupons. Many of the brands they carry are their own brands (thus no coupon to use anyway). They do stock some name brand stuff, but their prices on everyday items that sometimes YOU JUST NEED, (coupon or not), are so good, that it pays to do some shopping there. Don't get me wrong, I DO NOT DO MY MAJOR GROCERY SHOPPING THERE, however, they have nice, affordable produce, excellent prepackaged cheeses and meats. One example, the ALDI by me sells the 9 oz Fresh Express Pre Washed FRESH Spinach for $1.49 EVERYDAY! The best price at supermarkets where coupons are accepted in my area for this item is about $3 ON SALE! They are owned by the same parent company that owns TRADER JOE's, another very well run operation. If you have ALDI questions, post them here and I'll answer back.

I have to agree with everything she just said. I like aldi's but not to do my whole shopping order there. They have some of the best prices if you are looking to stock up on some items that normally don't go on sale or have coupons. I love getting my canned veggies and produce from there. It's so cheap comparing to everywhere else.

If I were you tho I wouldn't drive 60 miles one way just to go there, with the cost of gas it isn't worth it at all in the long run.

[LovesDivine]

Originally Posted by jandswinder I was so excited to see that the old Albertson's on 60 in Brandon is going to be Aldi's.

I just saw this too! How exciting! I will be price checking for sure when they open and stop stockpiling stuff I can always get there at specific prices!

[smokeydiamond]

I read an article about them in the St. Pete times. From what I read, they only have 15 employees, 12 cashiers and 3 managers. The cashiers also stock shelves(and probably clean the store as well). Probably not likely to be the happiest/friendliest cashiers. You have to *rent* a shopping cart, bag your own groceries, they have limited hours, limited items. I'll pass.

[MISTERCHEAP]

Originally Posted by smokeydiamond I read an article about them in the St. Pete times. From what I read, they only have 15 employees, 12 cashiers and 3 managers. The cashiers also stock shelves(and probably clean the store as well). Probably not likely to be the happiest/friendliest cashiers. You have to *rent* a shopping cart, bag your own groceries, they have limited hours, limited items. I'll pass.

You are entitled to your opinion, however, I think you should never pass judgement on something until you check it out.

1. The grocery cart rental is simply a quarter that you get back at the end of the shopping trip when you return the cart to the cart corral so carts aren't left all over the parking lot.

2. Aldi's is a "staples" type operation, if you use staples (flour, eggs, produce, canned items, pasta, etc) I'd hardly call their selection limited. What's limited are the prices and the brands, most are their own brands, but the types of "staple" items they carry will surprise you. Much more sophisticated than you'd imagine.

3. Sure you take a box or bring your own bags and do it yourself, but it's no big deal if you've only got 10-20 items. And if you buy a boat load, just bring lots of bags with you. The idea is to help you save money by keeping their overhead low.

4. Aldi's employees are paid pretty well actually and get profit sharing. They use the approach of doing all types of jobs so everyone understands the operation and how to best make it run.

I'm not comparing them to Publix or any upscale supermarket because that's not what they are. They are a "what you see is what you get" operation with low prices and good quality products. If you want a bag boy to wheel your cart to your car and not rent a cart for a quarter that you get back, then, yes, don't go to Aldi's.