I promised myself that I would re-visit the new Aldi store that has recently appeared en route to my usual weekly shopping destination of Sainsbury's in Hove.
I did visit once before, but only very briefly, and I wanted to make a more 'detailed investigation'. I don't wish to ignore it without having seen what's on offer.
I got there early; just after opening time. A lot of the shelves were empty, so I began to peruse the aisles; ignoring my strictly detailed shopping list.
It's a strange set-up. They have most things inside cooled cabinets, and a 'Middle Aisle' with all sorts of 'bargains' that you don't want, which apparently change from week to week. Mostly cheap rubbish.
I bought more of the Australian wine that I'd bought previously, they didn't have any Caulis, but I did buy some nice looking Medjool Dates; I haven't tasted one yet, but they are favourites and I'm sure they'll be delicious. I'm still a little dubious about the quality of many items.
At the checkout there was no-one at the only aisle that said 'open'. I had to hail someone who looked as if he worked there. He didn't speak much English, but pointed us to a different row. We all moved and were seen-to. Not very impressed!
I don't think I shall visit again. Verdict: a generous 3/10
Aldi/Lidl are both both okay and similar. The veg is cheap but doesn't keep well. Dairy products seem fine to me I can't comment on the wine as I'm teetotal. They are what they are, funnily in Germany they are totally different and much better.
ReplyDeleteI use Sainsbury as they are the closest. The only supermarket I avoid are the Co-Op as they seem much like the German pair but with Waitrose prices.
I shall stick with Sainsbury and Waitrose. I didn't see any advantage with Aldi, other than maybe a few pence cheaper; but I'm not really bothered about that.
DeleteYour Aldi seems to be like they were in Germany in the 1970ies. I have been told that nowadays they are much nicer and have better quality food and especially non-food (the things in the middle aisle). I used to buy some cheap basics there, but since we are only two persons now, I buy most fresh food at the weekly market and the rest in our nearest Rewe. There are no really upmarket chains in Germany, I would like to do some shopping there.
ReplyDeleteHilde in Germany
'Upmarket' doesn't always mean better; usually it means more expensive. However, Waitrose does have certain things that others don't, and I'm prepared to pay a few pence more.
DeleteWe shop at our local Lidl's and find their quality, especially on the meats to be brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI haven't dared try Aldi's meats yet, although I do have an Aldi free-range frozen goose in the freezer, which I'm certain will be fabulous.
DeleteI once had a bit of a row with a nasty checkout girl in "Aldi". She insisted that after scanning on the conveyor belt I was not allowed to put my bought items in my shopping bags that were sitting open in the trolley. Instead, I had to toss everything into the trolley quickly and then pack my bags at the side counters. I remember saying to her, "What happened to the old shop service guidance - The customer is always right?"
ReplyDeleteAll she could do was nastily threaten to call for her manager.
Since that day, I have hardly ever been in an "Aldi" store but my daughter does the bulk of her shopping there and swears by the place.
I like the fact that "Aldi" do not have customer loyalty cards.
I was once told by a Sainsbury's worker that I wasn't allowed to use my shopping basket. I asked for her name, and explained that I was a shareholder. She shuffled away very quickly!
DeleteI go to Aldi a couple of times a month, for things they do especially well. Yesterday it was a whole chicken, inexpensive red wine to cook with, some canned beans and tomatoes, and crisps (their house brand in the US is good and less than half the price of the name brands.)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there are plenty of things that are OK or good. I just don't think I can be bothered to do a two-stop shop.
DeleteThat video is hilarious, thank you for posting it. I've only been to an Aldi once and it wasn't busy so, it was a really interesting experience. The checkout was not a horror show (but I was only buying a few small items).
ReplyDeleteMy enduring memory of my last visit was one of incompetence. I shall put it down to having only recently opened.
DeleteNo Aldis here but I do like the wine at Lidls. There are wines from all over the world at decent prices.
ReplyDeleteI had some awful wine from Aldi, but, as it was very cheap, I should have known. Now I only buy their Aussie wine which is very good.
DeleteAldi in the US is called Trader Joe's.
ReplyDeleteThere is no bargain isle at our store.
The meat and fish are not the quality I want. The selection of bread and rolls are good. Eggs and whole milk are great.
The cashiers are friendly and helpful; all registers are open. I've had no problems.
I have bought Bacon, Salmon Steaks, and Aberdeen Angus Burgers, all were very good.
DeleteCro, I'm not a fan of either Aldi's or Trader Joe's... but there are some that just love them. Each to his own, right? And as you said, there are probably some things that people like at both and go back for...
ReplyDeleteThere are a few things I liked, but to go specifically for just one or two things seems a bit of a waste of time (and petrol money).
DeleteActually, while Aldi's and Trader Joes are indeed owned by the same company here in the US, they are run with completely different brand identities, products and operating procedures. Trader Joe's is smoother with a better shopping experience. Aldi's is more of a "get it done and get the hell out" process but with better prices. I rarely visit either store as they require driving distances I can't be bothered with in order to save a few bucks.
ReplyDeleteI feel much the same about the few things I might buy there; it's really not worth saving a small amount of money that would then be absorbed by the extra cost of petrol.
DeleteI've got wellies from there and they are very comfortable - I wear le ch too from elsewhere - more expensive - equally good - Dog bed and coats etc - I like it - flis x
ReplyDeleteI bought some new wellies for Lady M on Saturday from Sainsbury's. £20; she loves them.
DeleteThose dates are brilliant and and way less than you would pay at Waitrose.
ReplyDeleteWe do more of our shopping at Lidl because it is a bigger store. During the pandemic we tried both and Aldi felt more crowded. The line outside Lidl was very orderly, and I didn’t see anyone just barging in.
Aldi used to have a superb Lebanese wine - alas none recently for obvious reasons.
I love all the seasonal dried fruits. Dates, Figs, Apricots, Prunes, etc. Far better than buying manufactured 'confectionaries'.
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