This is a popular chain in Germany. I was excited to see on here. :) The reason for no bags, is because in Germany people don't use bags, they have baskets. No need to waste the plastic. The cart thing with the chains is used so that they don't have to hire cart people, you bring the cart back for your tokan, or coin. I like this style store alot.
I didn't care much for it, but then again, it was grand opening time, and missed quite a few things as well. Now that it's petered out some, I'll try again, or wait a little longer, to be sure I'm getting a true read on it's popularity, since it's still rather new.
Some pointed out the "Happy Mills" is actually General Mills, same exact serial, different artwork, lower price. The Deli Meats are Hillshire Farms, again, lesser-known name, lower price.
I have been in the one in Elkhart, IN on Cassopolis St.. Love this store! This would go over great in Tennessee, where I live. Most of these prices are 1/2 off of our prices at our major stores.
What you did here is ILLEGAL.. which you obviously knew as you mentioned you had to hide the camera. also, before you go charging into ANYWHERE and start griping you might want to do a bit of research on the company.. (aldi is NOT copying anything.. GENERAL MILLS makes the millville brand) Almost all of their items are made by brand name companies.. DO YOUR RESEARCH You do not own any rights to aldis,and are in no way affiliated with the company and have no right to use the name etc.
@georgef551 pay attention? you couldn't even find a cart lol? You have a definite right to your opinion, and that's fine. The media will have been invited to in, you on the other hand were not, you even said "i may have to hide my camera" I like the store, Great prices and MUCH MORE FRIENDLY SERVICE than their NEIGHBORS. That is my opinion. You may find yourself in a copyright infringement battle. Good luck to you
Copyright Battle? This falls under "Fair Use".Not all media get permission, though, especially when they're doing price comparison stories.
The story was to prove if it's a good deal or not, and to insure a wide coverage, the camera had to "go away" when there was an employee. They'd tell you to stop, likely, then to continue shopping, comply. Other times, it was simply to not get others in-frame (easier to edit, or not need to edit).
@georgef551 you are trying to prove whether or not this store is a good deal or not where/what is your comparison? With the wide range & styles of markets here there should be some comparisons? A little research & u will find a service ALDI has that no other store does. Cashiers do sit when they are ringing but this is b/c they also stock, clean,unload trucks etc there are no outside companies for that there. A final note you do not have to buy cloth bags only. They carry other bags
Checking the prices. If I could find substitutes from what I normally get, that comparison could be done.
I did notice the plastic bags.
The true final word I had, was in the comments under the video. The few things I actually paid attention to, were not big savings. Figures. Noticed the good deals in-edit (in-video annotated the fact.)
I don't mind the store brand products, but the concept here sucks. I think the stupid lack of shelves or any order to the store makes people think they're saving more than they are. Plus, they have an NCR point of sale, they hire lazy cashiers who don't want to stand up AND THEY DON"T TAKE CREDIT CARDS! That is nearly as bad as minimum purchases and charging extra! Checks I can understand because they are slow, but accepting credit is a valuable service, and they are only avoiding a small fee.
Those small fees add up. I think they could have a card line, or a cash-only line. No baggers, either, so everything's loose, unless you have something to carry your stuff out with.
@georgef551 I shop at aldi every 2 weeks what I do is keep the bags from the pre trip and take them with me and the brands are very good just dont buy the uncooked meat like the chicken of the ground beef its not the best and you get your quarter back when your done shopping
George good job filming the aldi's. very strange for a food store. strange that some brands hide like that. in Hadley I'd have trouble with my brick camcorder.
Oo! Also the "no bagging" thing seems very European. They expect everyone to have their own fabric bags or charge a "tax"/"fee" in Ireland for simple plastic bags. I'm not sure whether it is environmentally conscious or just nickle/diming everyone for extra money. Not sure if this type of store will fly here, unless they adapt a bit. This isn't quite Ikea.
I'm not all too keen over this no bagging thing, as apperently a lot of others seem to not be fond of, either. It's an experience, though, and what little I bought here, was quite good. Now it's a matter of how many are willing to come back. Those who already have the cloth bags from elsewhere, or bought some here, are the most likely to return.
As for freshness, I'd give the shipping cycle a month to smooth out. Tends to get better after an opening.
@georgef551 One of the store in my area has the same no bagging policy but they do have bag that you have to pay 10cent. It called Save a Lot it mostly off-brand name and occasionally name brand they have a whole side of the aisle for name brand stuff right in front. It look that store is running out of eggs. The also leave the food in their shipping packing. You not have to pay for a cart. They put it in another cart. Next time I go there I will get a video.
Some people are telling me that they have to put a deposit on a cart where they are. Yours doesn't? I didn't see whether or not our did, as I was only getting a couple, items anyway.
I know this store is common in Ireland (and elsewhere in Europe) - I wonder if these are some of their "off brands." Over there, the store "Lidl" (German, like Aldi I believe) has the same haphazard placement of stuff, without real aisles/signage. I think there's an Aldi in Queens, NY near me I'd like to check out. Prices are certainly competitive. Certainly nothing like good ol' TJs though - that's my favorite store I can walk to locally. Personally, I don't care about brands unless its booze.
I noticed a lot of these "off brands" seem to be made by the same people that make the big brand items, like that sandwich meat I showed. I'm sure the same company that packages Hillshire Farms meats, did these, as the packaging, labeling, and nutrition labeling, are exactly the same. There's others that seem to be a giveaway as well.
It's very similar in size, scope and atmosphere to the local supermarket, ironically named "Market Basket". One of the oldest in the neighborhood, it's undergone several remodels since its initial opening in the late nineteen sixties. I can only wonder how long until this place suffers the same fate of other supermarkets in the area (read: inept baggers and angry housewives on the rush to nowhere).
This is about the size of what most supermarkets were here up to the late 80's. Victory Supermarkets were about this size (Hannaford bought them out), and a local supermarket was even smaller. Victory then opened their larger market where I do my laundry now, and built newer stores to be the same size.
It's a throwback in some ways, but some signage would be a plus.
Aldi exists to be cheap, that's the only goal. They own most of the in-house brands. It's really fun just to walk around and look at the rip-offs, as you did. Great place to shop on a budget. Carts are left outside to avoid hiring someone to push them back to the store, and require a deposit so people put them back. Cashiers are limited for the same reason. Items are scattered and left in shipping materials because the cashiers also stock shelves during down time, and need to do so quickly.
I know it's all in the sake of low prices, and I am actually IN FAVOR of the deposit thing for a shopping cart. It helps keep people from stealing them. People who already have the "green" bags will have an advantage here.
This is a popular chain in Germany. I was excited to see on here. :) The reason for no bags, is because in Germany people don't use bags, they have baskets. No need to waste the plastic. The cart thing with the chains is used so that they don't have to hire cart people, you bring the cart back for your tokan, or coin. I like this style store alot.
ClockFlagg 1 month ago
@ClockFlagg
I didn't care much for it, but then again, it was grand opening time, and missed quite a few things as well. Now that it's petered out some, I'll try again, or wait a little longer, to be sure I'm getting a true read on it's popularity, since it's still rather new.
georgef551 1 month ago
the content of "brand names" and "nonames" ist the same you idiot...
that's the secret of aldi germany
dpxpd1 1 month ago
@dpxpd1
Actually, they are.
Some pointed out the "Happy Mills" is actually General Mills, same exact serial, different artwork, lower price. The Deli Meats are Hillshire Farms, again, lesser-known name, lower price.
georgef551 1 month ago
I have been in the one in Elkhart, IN on Cassopolis St.. Love this store! This would go over great in Tennessee, where I live. Most of these prices are 1/2 off of our prices at our major stores.
rebel1701 3 months ago
What you did here is ILLEGAL.. which you obviously knew as you mentioned you had to hide the camera. also, before you go charging into ANYWHERE and start griping you might want to do a bit of research on the company.. (aldi is NOT copying anything.. GENERAL MILLS makes the millville brand) Almost all of their items are made by brand name companies.. DO YOUR RESEARCH You do not own any rights to aldis,and are in no way affiliated with the company and have no right to use the name etc.
pcinma 3 months ago
@pcinma
Way to pay attention to the video. You failed.
georgef551 3 months ago
@georgef551 pay attention? you couldn't even find a cart lol? You have a definite right to your opinion, and that's fine. The media will have been invited to in, you on the other hand were not, you even said "i may have to hide my camera" I like the store, Great prices and MUCH MORE FRIENDLY SERVICE than their NEIGHBORS. That is my opinion. You may find yourself in a copyright infringement battle. Good luck to you
pcinma 3 months ago
@pcinma
Copyright Battle? This falls under "Fair Use".Not all media get permission, though, especially when they're doing price comparison stories.
The story was to prove if it's a good deal or not, and to insure a wide coverage, the camera had to "go away" when there was an employee. They'd tell you to stop, likely, then to continue shopping, comply. Other times, it was simply to not get others in-frame (easier to edit, or not need to edit).
georgef551 3 months ago
@georgef551 you are trying to prove whether or not this store is a good deal or not where/what is your comparison? With the wide range & styles of markets here there should be some comparisons? A little research & u will find a service ALDI has that no other store does. Cashiers do sit when they are ringing but this is b/c they also stock, clean,unload trucks etc there are no outside companies for that there. A final note you do not have to buy cloth bags only. They carry other bags
pcinma 3 months ago
@pcinma
Checking the prices. If I could find substitutes from what I normally get, that comparison could be done.
I did notice the plastic bags.
The true final word I had, was in the comments under the video. The few things I actually paid attention to, were not big savings. Figures. Noticed the good deals in-edit (in-video annotated the fact.)
georgef551 3 months ago
@pcinma
Illegal...how?! This is nothing different than what the media itself actually does.
They may not like people comparrison shopping this way. They'd tell you to quit and leave. IT'S NOT ILLEGAL.
Policemen watch these, too. I'd been in jail a LOOOOONG time ago.
Time to learn the law.
georgef551 3 months ago
Do they sell computers at Aldi in the US ?
theTerranEmpire3 4 months ago
@theTerranEmpire3
It's a food market here in the US.
I take it they do in other locations.
georgef551 3 months ago
I don't mind the store brand products, but the concept here sucks. I think the stupid lack of shelves or any order to the store makes people think they're saving more than they are. Plus, they have an NCR point of sale, they hire lazy cashiers who don't want to stand up AND THEY DON"T TAKE CREDIT CARDS! That is nearly as bad as minimum purchases and charging extra! Checks I can understand because they are slow, but accepting credit is a valuable service, and they are only avoiding a small fee.
alexweb8 4 months ago
@alexweb8
Those small fees add up. I think they could have a card line, or a cash-only line. No baggers, either, so everything's loose, unless you have something to carry your stuff out with.
georgef551 4 months ago
@georgef551 you can just take a shopping cart next to the entrance
rx7here 4 months ago
@rx7here
I didn't see them where I went in. Saw them when I left. :)
georgef551 4 months ago
@georgef551 I shop at aldi every 2 weeks what I do is keep the bags from the pre trip and take them with me and the brands are very good just dont buy the uncooked meat like the chicken of the ground beef its not the best and you get your quarter back when your done shopping
ld1000xx 1 month ago
@ld1000xx
Thanks for letting me know what to avoid.
Then again, each store has a shortcoming, like WAL*MART with old produce.
georgef551 1 month ago
George good job filming the aldi's. very strange for a food store. strange that some brands hide like that. in Hadley I'd have trouble with my brick camcorder.
Balarick 4 months ago
@Balarick
You can probably get a Flip camcorder dirt cheap now. You'd be in HD, and your 16:9 videos will appear 16:9. :)
Glad you enjoyed the video.
georgef551 4 months ago
George, If You Where Wondering About The "Milville" Cerials, It's General Mills.
My Friends dad works there and told me that they do the Aldi Millville cereal brand.
So those are True General Mills For Half Price!
Boxfan2008 4 months ago
@Boxfan2008
I thought it had to the the big-guys! WAY too familiar a product.
Thanks for your info.!
georgef551 4 months ago
it looks like the Pineville, NC ALDI...I Love it :)
awguai9013 4 months ago
Better off with regular Grocery stores.
MegaZeldafan1 4 months ago
Aldi is a great place to shop we have several locations here in Michigan which i frequent!
andersonvillas1277 4 months ago
@andersonvillas1277
They have some good stuff there. I'm not a fan of the randomness and the lack of express lane(s). BIG turn-off.
georgef551 4 months ago
Oo! Also the "no bagging" thing seems very European. They expect everyone to have their own fabric bags or charge a "tax"/"fee" in Ireland for simple plastic bags. I'm not sure whether it is environmentally conscious or just nickle/diming everyone for extra money. Not sure if this type of store will fly here, unless they adapt a bit. This isn't quite Ikea.
anomalousclouds 4 months ago
@anomalousclouds
I'm not all too keen over this no bagging thing, as apperently a lot of others seem to not be fond of, either. It's an experience, though, and what little I bought here, was quite good. Now it's a matter of how many are willing to come back. Those who already have the cloth bags from elsewhere, or bought some here, are the most likely to return.
As for freshness, I'd give the shipping cycle a month to smooth out. Tends to get better after an opening.
georgef551 4 months ago
@georgef551 One of the store in my area has the same no bagging policy but they do have bag that you have to pay 10cent. It called Save a Lot it mostly off-brand name and occasionally name brand they have a whole side of the aisle for name brand stuff right in front. It look that store is running out of eggs. The also leave the food in their shipping packing. You not have to pay for a cart. They put it in another cart. Next time I go there I will get a video.
corb134 4 months ago
@corb134
Some people are telling me that they have to put a deposit on a cart where they are. Yours doesn't? I didn't see whether or not our did, as I was only getting a couple, items anyway.
georgef551 4 months ago
I know this store is common in Ireland (and elsewhere in Europe) - I wonder if these are some of their "off brands." Over there, the store "Lidl" (German, like Aldi I believe) has the same haphazard placement of stuff, without real aisles/signage. I think there's an Aldi in Queens, NY near me I'd like to check out. Prices are certainly competitive. Certainly nothing like good ol' TJs though - that's my favorite store I can walk to locally. Personally, I don't care about brands unless its booze.
anomalousclouds 4 months ago
@anomalousclouds
I noticed a lot of these "off brands" seem to be made by the same people that make the big brand items, like that sandwich meat I showed. I'm sure the same company that packages Hillshire Farms meats, did these, as the packaging, labeling, and nutrition labeling, are exactly the same. There's others that seem to be a giveaway as well.
georgef551 4 months ago
It's very similar in size, scope and atmosphere to the local supermarket, ironically named "Market Basket". One of the oldest in the neighborhood, it's undergone several remodels since its initial opening in the late nineteen sixties. I can only wonder how long until this place suffers the same fate of other supermarkets in the area (read: inept baggers and angry housewives on the rush to nowhere).
QuietSundayLibrary 4 months ago
@QuietSundayLibrary
This is about the size of what most supermarkets were here up to the late 80's. Victory Supermarkets were about this size (Hannaford bought them out), and a local supermarket was even smaller. Victory then opened their larger market where I do my laundry now, and built newer stores to be the same size.
It's a throwback in some ways, but some signage would be a plus.
georgef551 4 months ago
Interesting place. I'm curious how well it will do next to a Walmart.
giggleblaggle 4 months ago
@giggleblaggle
So am I. The price differences gives ALDI an adventage, but I'm not sure about the other sacrifices.
georgef551 4 months ago
Aldi exists to be cheap, that's the only goal. They own most of the in-house brands. It's really fun just to walk around and look at the rip-offs, as you did. Great place to shop on a budget. Carts are left outside to avoid hiring someone to push them back to the store, and require a deposit so people put them back. Cashiers are limited for the same reason. Items are scattered and left in shipping materials because the cashiers also stock shelves during down time, and need to do so quickly.
TheElevatorChannel 4 months ago
@TheElevatorChannel
I know it's all in the sake of low prices, and I am actually IN FAVOR of the deposit thing for a shopping cart. It helps keep people from stealing them. People who already have the "green" bags will have an advantage here.
georgef551 4 months ago
Even a dollar store is more organized(Categorized anyway).
gta4life55 4 months ago
@gta4life55
True. This was very random.
georgef551 4 months ago