Leominster: ALDI Food Market GRAND OPENING

Shot on Grand Opening Day: 10/13/2011
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This is the ALDI Food Market, built next to the WAL*MART, Leominster, Massachusetts.
It's quite small for a "Supermarket", as some refer to this establishment, but it's the size of a larger drugstore. Surprisingly, the way it's laid out, it appears a lot bigger than what it really is. That seems to be the only good thing about the layout.

LAYOUT:
Appears to be random in most places, and some items are put next to things that should not be together, like health food and candy, and some items appear in multiple places, and I'm not talking about promotional-style setups, but actually placed in multiple spots. There are no shelves, or some that are low, as most setups are just stacks of items on pallets. What's also confusing is, there are no signs as to what is where, so the randomness just makes this more flustering to navigate on a Grand Opening event.

FOOD/ITEMS:
Mostly are not brand name items, but they do exist. Many are packaged by the big names, or they get them from the same manufacturers (others, probably not). The "No-Name" items are a good deal. Didn't catch that initially. There are items that aren't much of a bargain, though, even with "No-Name" items.

VARIETY:
Depends. Some items have plenty of choice, and others you hardly have any. For the size of the stores, I'm still impressed with that ability.


FOOD TRANSPORT:
They provide shopping carts outside the main door, as this is the only place you can grab one. Once inside, what you have, is what you have, to carry stuff. There are no baskets for smaller food runs, unfortunately. There is a reason for that, you'll see later.

CHECKOUT:
There's only 4 registers, and NONE are Express Lanes. You got a couple items? You're very likely to be behind someone with a cart full of food. Lucky you. What's worse, or better, depending upon your angle, ALDI's does NOT accept Checks, or Credit Cards. CASH, or Debit Cards ONLY. On top of this, there are no baggers, so your items are loose, back into your cart, or you carry them out yourself. Bring something to haul the loose items, or you can buy their Envro-Friendly shopping bags right there. There's a counter at the end of the store, so you can place items in bags, boxes, totes, whatever.

RATING:
It's a judgement call here. Might be worth it, might not be. You'll have to try for yourself. You'll like it, or not. It's personal taste here.
Bought a couple items, and both were very good. Quality isn't an issue, except for the Fruits and Vegetables, for now. They're old, but it's a first shipment. I'd give them a month for a normal shipping cycle to get established, as that normally will yield a true freshness result.

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[ClockFlagg]

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.

[georgef551]

@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.

[dpxpd1]

the content of "brand names" and "nonames" ist the same you idiot...

that's the secret of aldi germany

[georgef551]

@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]

@ld1000xx

Thanks for letting me know what to avoid.

Then again, each store has a shortcoming, like WAL*MART with old produce.

[ld1000xx]

@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

[georgef551]

@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.)

[pcinma]

@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

[rebel1701]

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.

[georgef551]

@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).