A new big Aldi store has just opened in Hove. It replaces a dreadful DIY store; Homebase.
It just happens to be en route to my usual shopping destination; Sainsbury's. So yesterday I popped-in to see what it was like. It had been open for just two days.
It was all a bit confusing with row upon row of chilled cabinets, which makes it difficult to see what's what. No doubt if I became a regular customer I would soon get to know my way around, but for a new-boy it wasn't particularly 'user-friendly'.
I bought a big Cauliflower, 2 bottles of Prosecco, a bottle of Aussie red, and some Bok Choi. The very pretty slightly-Oriental-looking checkout girl was nice, and nobody stabbed me or hurled abuse. I shall return when I've got more time to have a really good look around, but I don't think it'll ever replace my usual destination.
I was pleased to get to Sainsbury's where the layout is so much friendlier. And, frankly, if things cost a tiny bit more than they do at Aldi; I really don't mind. As usual, I filled my trolly.
Maybe I'll go to Aldi again on Tuesday and do a proper assessment. I know it's good for fruit and vegs, but I'm a bit more suspect about cheese, dairy, tinned things, and meat. I prefer quality than 'cheap'.
I now have a choice of four supermarkets on the road to Sainsbury's. Lidl, Aldi, Waitrose, and Sainsbury's itself. No prizes for guessing which two I prefer.
Supermarket locations I find odd at times - we have a local shopping centre that boasts a Tesco Extra, M&S Food, B&M, Home Bargains and Aldi. Just along the road is a distinctly up-market housing development, and all that they have in the way of shops is a rather anaemic Morrisons! We do have a Waitrose and Sainsbury's Local just a few miles away as well though, and in the opposite direction a 24 hour ASDA. Quite where all the customers come from for these I don't know, but the roads and car parks slways seem busy whatever the time of day...
ReplyDeleteAnd an Iceland and Food Warehouse in our local shops as well! After all that, we need our Greggs and Costa for a coffee break.
DeleteIn the middle of town, here, there is an M & S 'Food Hall' which is very popular. But if you visit their clothes departments, there's hardly anyone there. What used to be a clothes shop is now an excellent food store. Good quality always attracts people.
DeleteYou have so much choice there.
ReplyDeleteHere we just have a Tesco, Co-Op and the Saturday Farmers Market.
I wish we had a proper market here in the centre of Brighton. I can't understand why we don't. As a Tesco shareholder, I would encourage you to go there, rather than the Co-op!
DeleteMore fresh food things are British in Aldi than many other shops
ReplyDeleteThe Cauli I bought yesterday was from Lincs, and is beautiful. I love Caulis.
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